FAQ

1. What kind of events does the MSA organize?

- We have an annual dinner every year perhaps in October. We also have some get-togethers during the year. Activities such as ice breaking session, winter trip, get together sessions are being planned. Our events are usually small, and not as frequent as other clubs due to the society’s small numbers. But if you have an idea for an event and access to some resources (a place to host the event, discounts, food) then by all means contact us at ltumsa@gmail.com and help us get the La Trobe Malaysians together.

2. Why should I join the MSA?

- MSA membership is voluntary, and you can be a Malaysian student and not join the club. However, we provide a community for all you newcomers. The MSA is full of friendly, helpful people ready to make your big move to Australia and the big world of tertiary education easier. MSA allows you to network not only within La Trobe but connects you to the other Malaysian organizations throughout Victoria and Australia as a whole. We are also constantly looking for student leaders to further enhance the society and make it better, so there are plenty of opportunities in the MSA to make a difference and get involved.

3. Do I have to attend any meetings?

- We know attending meetings is a big chore, which is why we don’t have weekly compulsory meetings like secondary school. We do have a general meeting every beginning of the year to elect a new committee and attending that is usually a good idea, because the MSA is only as good as the people the members choose to lead them.

5. How do I find out about any MSA events?

- Bookmark this blog! As of 2008 we are increasing our online presence with this blog, where the newsletter will be posted monthly as well as news and events from Malaysian organizations in Australia. The blog will also have news from back home in Malaysia and news pertaining to Malaysians in Australia. You can also receive the newsletter via email by signing up for the mailing list, just email ltumsa@gmail.com with the subject line : NEWSLETTER.

We are also thinking of setting up a Facebook group, to keep the MSA LTU members informed on all upcoming events and happenings.

6. Can you help me promote my event/post up a classified ad or notice?

Sure we can! Of course, we’d only post up items relevant to our members so if you want to reach Malaysian students as well as international students in the Melbourne area, we’d be happy to do our bit in broadcasting your announcement. Just email us at ltumsa@gmail.com and let us know the details and particulars.

7. I’m looking at your links, and I’m wondering what are MASCA and Malaysia Hall?

- Malaysians have a strong presence here in Australia, and the LTU MSA blog does it best to keep you connected to the different Malaysian societies and organizations that operate here. Here is a rundown of what some of these organizations are, and what they do.

MASCA : MASCA stands for the Malaysian Students Council of Australia. MASCA is an official Malaysian student body in Australia. It is a non-profit organization run by students for students. It is supported by the Malaysian Student Department (MSD) in organizing events for Malaysian students studying in Australia. MASCA has corresponding state bodies in each of the Australian states.

MASCA Victoria : MASCA Victoria was established under MASCA National in the year 2003. It now spans most student societies across all Victorian universities with a geographical area of 43.9km by 23.4km. From suburban campuses in Bundoora, Clayton & Caulfield to urban campuses of Parkville, Footscray and the City.

Malaysia Hall: Also known as Kelab Dewan Malaysia Melbourne. Malaysia Hall Melbourne is a hostel for students and also guests. The Management of Dewan Malaysia can arrange temporary accommodation for you while you decide on a more permanent arrangement. For accommodation arrangements at Malaysia Hall, click here. Malaysia Hall also arranges and organizes social, religious and academic events, with a special focus on student activities.

MSDA Student Registration : The MSDA stands for the Malaysian Students Department in Australia. It is basically a student’s embassy, as it tries to keep track and assist the large Malaysian student population in Australia. The registration process is a way for the MSDA to file away your particulars for future use, and to use in case of emergencies. The form is basic and painless, so if you’re new here in Australia, please do click over and spend the 5 minutes it will take to complete and submit the form.

These are only some of the wonderful societies and organizations here in Victoria, and also the rest of Australia that exist to enhance and assist in a Malaysian student’s life in Australia. The easiest way to find out about all these other societies is to click on the links and check out their respective websites.

If there are any questions you have that we haven’t included here, do email us or leave a comment below and we will try our best to answer it promptly.