A 40-year partnership between the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and INTI International University & Colleges created a pathway for students from Malaysia to come to Nebraska to earn their undergraduate degrees. For Xing Yi Ling, the connection between Malaysia and Nebraska was much more than academic. It was part of her family's legacy.
Her parents, Yoke Hua Ling and Chiat Ley Ong, met at Nebraska while her mother took English classes and her father attended through the INTI partnership. Yoke Hua graduated in 1997 and the two stayed in touch, got married and this fall, Xing Yi followed their path from INTI to Nebraska.
“I decided to come to Nebraska because it is where my parents met, but I also wanted to challenge myself to be in a totally different environment and experience the culture and everything," said Ling, a management major from Sitiawan, a small town in Perak, Malaysia. "I feel like it will be fun and exciting, which it is!”
This year marks 40 years of the partnership between Nebraska and INTI, a relationship that has connected thousands of Malaysian students with a Nebraska education.
“Since 1986, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and INTI International University & Colleges have partnered to create opportunities for students to earn their undergraduate degrees. Through this long-standing partnership, students start their general education and early coursework in Malaysia and then transfer to Nebraska, building a strong academic foundation while preparing for their careers," said Maegan Stevens-Liska, senior international officer.
Ling met fellow transfer students Rachel Shum, junior accounting major from Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, and Austen Kong, junior finance major from Selangor Malaysia. All three said beginning at INTI provided a familiar foundation before they moved to the United States.
“Starting my studies at INTI was the perfect way to get my footing before making the big move overseas," Shum said. "Choosing to major in accounting at Nebraska was an easy decision because the partnership made transferring credits so smooth.”
Once on campus, the students started attending university events like the College of Business New Student Welcome and Back to School Bash, where they met Dean Kathy Farrell and other students, faculty and staff.
"One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had at Nebraska was participating in the Tunnel Walk for all new students. Getting to be part of a huge group taking a photo together in the shape of a big 'N' at Memorial Stadium was a really cool way to start my journey at Nebraska and made me feel like I was officially becoming part of the Husker community," said Austen Kong, originally from Selangor, Malaysia.
Shum said attending her first Husker football game was "most unforgettable day" and noted the welcome she received from people across campus.
“What surprised me the most was how friendly everyone is,” she said. “During my first week here, I was kind of lost on campus and another student stopped to help me find my way. Now we are friends.”
Connections to other Malaysian students also helped her adjust to college life and Lincoln.
“Having a solid support system made all the difference. My friends from Malaysia helped me settle in from day one, and connecting with the Malaysian community here made Lincoln feel like home right away,” Shum said.
The partnership also creates connections beyond the classroom. Nebraska Business students have traveled to INTI to introduce Malaysian students to CliftonStrengths, an assessment that helps people identify and develop their natural talents, while gaining experience coaching across cultures.
“When the team visited INTI, they helped me spot personal strengths I didn't even realize I had,” Shum said. “It is super helpful because I noticed business classes here focus a lot on knowing your strengths and using them in group work.”
Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business, said those experiences demonstrate how the partnership connects students and learning across cultures.
“This partnership has created meaningful connections, including opportunities for College of Business students to bring CliftonStrengths coaching to Malaysia,” Farrell said. “At Nebraska Business, we help students understand how to use their unique talents to succeed while recognizing and developing the strengths of others. During this week-long study abroad experience, our students shared that approach with students in Malaysia while learning to coach across cultures and expanding their own global perspectives.”
Attending Nebraska through the INTI partnership also became a family tradition for Kong. His father, Chia-Huung Kong, graduated in 1995 and his uncle, Chia-Hing Kong, graduated in 2005. Both earned finance degrees at Nebraska.
Austen began his studies at INTI International College Subang through the American University Program (AUP) before transferring to Nebraska to follow in his father's and uncle's footsteps and study finance this fall.
“Being part of a partnership with a 40-year history is really meaningful because I know I’m part of a connection that has helped many students before me,” Kong said. “Being the next generation of my family to go through this pathway makes that history feel especially personal to me. It also makes the transition from INTI to Nebraska feel like part of a journey that my family experienced together, and now I get to continue that story at Nebraska."
