The fourth edition of Bett Asia took place on 15–16 November 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event was supported by Malaysia’s Ministry of Education, the UK Department for International Trade and BESA. Twenty-eight UK companies exhibited, displaying a large range of resources, from educational toys and SEN products to lab equipment and school management systems. For the second year running, BESA’s Great British Classroom (GBC)  initiative took place at the Bett Asia show. Reproducing a British classroom on the exhibition floor, local students in both primary and secondary took part, as well as Special Educational Needs children, and there even was a CPD class for trainee teachers.

Once again, the GBC was a success. It displayed products from various UK companies, including Data Harvest, Easy read, Findel, Gratnells, iBoardtouch, Metallifom, Smartkids, TTS, and YPO; and four local schools and a teacher-training institute participated.

The GBC lessons (Science, Maths, Robotics, Literacy and Numeracy) were carried out by the local teachers using not only the products in the classroom but also software and products from companies such as Ben & Betty, Easy time Reader, Morphun, Science Scope, Data Harvest and many others.

Why Malaysia?

Malaysia is a member of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). It is predicted that the ASEAN economy will become the fourth largest single market by 2030.

Several large UK companies have a presence in Malaysia, including Aberdeen Asset Management, Allied Pickfords, BAE Systems, BP, BAT, Debenhams, Dyson, Pinewood Studios, Shell, Tesco and Weir Group.

Some of the benefits for UK companies include:

• English-speaking, educated workforce
• Current exchange rate makes UK products and services attractive
• Strong historical and cultural ties
• Similar business, legal practices and technical standards
• Close to major Asia Pacific economies
• Excellent infrastructure and transport connectivity
• Well-developed financial sector
• Cost-effective gateway into Asian markets

Malaysia is fast becoming an educational hub for the ASEAN region. British products and services linked to education and training are worth over £280m a year.

Over 15,000 Malaysian students are studying at UK universities and the UK has the highest number of branch campuses in Malaysia.

Opportunities for UK companies include:

• coaching and mentoring training
• educational partnerships with universities and colleges
• corporate and executive training
• e-learning solutions
• Human Resource (HR) solutions
• ‘soft skills’ training
• English-language training

If you are a BESA member and are interested in taking part in future Great British Classroom, please email William to register your interest. Full list of contacts from the Bett Asia exhibition are available from William.