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Indian Mother in Malaysia Seeks Advice on Son's Schooling

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4488 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 22, 2024

Nayagam is a certified career counsellor and the founder of EduJob360.
He started his career as an HR professional and has over 10 years of experience in tutoring and mentoring students from Classes 8 to 12, helping them choose the right stream, course and college/university.
He also counsels students on how to prepare for entrance exams for getting admission into reputed universities /colleges for their graduate/postgraduate courses.
He has guided both fresh graduates and experienced professionals on how to write a resume, how to prepare for job interviews and how to negotiate their salary when joining a new job.
Nayagam has published an eBook, Professional Resume Writing Without Googling.
He has a postgraduate degree in human resources from Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Delhi, a postgraduate diploma in labour law from Madras University, a postgraduate diploma in school counselling from Symbiosis, Pune, and a certification in child psychology from Counsel India.
He has also completed his master’s degree in career counselling from ICCC-Mindler and Counsel, India.
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Asked by Anonymous - Jun 22, 2024Hindi
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Career

Sir I'm working in Malaysia Johor. My son is studying 8th in India. I could not get Indian schools nearby. And also international schools are expensive here. Is it good to change the school now? Will he be able to adopt this culture? And which school would be better for him? Please advise

Ans: Read and noted the contents of your question. You have NOT mentioned which Board he is studying in India? What about his Academic Performance for the last 2-years? Who is looking after him in India? How he is taken care of, here in India? Anyway, as he is entering into 8th standard, it is NOT at all advisable to change to any school in Malaysia. It is advisable to continue in India with a CBSE School (if not studying with CBSE school). Just before or once he enters into 9th Standard, it is ideal to plan for his career (what after 12th)? How he should prepare himself from 9th Standard (without applying any pressure)? He is interested in what? Please clarify my 3-doubts to enable me, answer further. All the BEST.

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Asked on - Jun 22, 2024 | Answered on Jun 23, 2024
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Thank you sir. He is studying in CBSE and taken care by my wife. To be Frank he is interested to study in Malaysia. And got through entrance exam in a Malaysia school last year while he was at 7th std. Due to NEET exam I let him to study there. He is getting above 90 % in maths. But in others he is able to get 70 to 80 % only.
Ans: Sir, thanks for coming back. Please note, you have mentioned that your son is interested in studying in Malaysia & still consider the same. You have the plan for the same & to continue for his UG program also in Malaysia or for UG, you will consider for India? Getting admission into top colleges for the desired dream is difficult due to very tough competition here. Also please note, as far as Coaching Centers / Preparing for NEET, JEE etc., India is the right place. Studying online for the same will not have much impact. You have also mentioned he is good in Maths. Then better have option for JEE also. He has joined for NEET Coaching as per his wish or you made him join? Anyway, if you need any other clarification, please ask me here with a one more follow-up question. All the BEST.

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Asked by Anonymous - Jul 26, 2024Hindi
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I moved to Dubai in 2012 with my family. My son is in class 9. My wife wants us to return to India so he can continue his studies in India. Do you think this is a good choice? My son is good at science and math. How can I prepare him for his student life in India?
Ans: Hi there,

Returning to India for your son's education can be a good choice, especially considering his aptitude in science and math. India has a robust education system with numerous opportunities for students excelling in these subjects. Here are some considerations and steps to prepare for the transition:

Considerations:
1. Curriculum Differences: The education system and curriculum in India might be different from what your son is used to in Dubai. Research the various boards (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, IB, etc.) to find the best fit for him.

2. School Selection: Look for schools known for their strong science and math programs. Consider their facilities, faculty, extracurricular activities, and overall environment.

3. Entrance Exams: In India, competitive exams play a significant role in higher education. Start familiarizing your son with exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for engineering, the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE), and the Olympiads for science and math.

4. Cultural Adjustment: Moving back to India will involve cultural adjustments. Engage your son in conversations about the changes and prepare him mentally for the shift.

Preparation Steps:
1. Academic Preparation:
- Bridge Courses: Enroll him in bridge courses to align his knowledge with the Indian curriculum.
- Additional Tutoring: Consider extra tutoring in subjects where he might need more support to catch up or excel.

2. Extracurricular Activities: Encourage participation in extracurricular activities related to science and math. Robotics clubs, coding classes, and science fairs can be great platforms.

3. Soft Skills Development:
- Language Skills: If his primary language of instruction changes, ensure he gets the necessary language support.
- Social Skills: Engage him in group activities and social gatherings to help him build a network of friends.

4. Mental and Emotional Support:
- Counseling: Consider professional counseling to help him cope with the transition.
- Family Support: Ensure a supportive home environment where he can freely express his concerns and feelings.

5. Visit Schools:
- Before finalizing the move, visit potential schools with your son. This will give him a sense of involvement and help him adjust better.

Returning to India can open up numerous opportunities for your son, especially given his strengths in science and math. With the right preparation and support, he can thrive in the Indian education system.

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2025
Money
Sir, I wqnted your advise, regarding an investment. My building is going for re-development, there is a additional flat sale for about 1cr, which will be ready in about 3 years. Please can you advise is it worth to invest 1cr in additional flat, i have savings of about 1cr, or should i keep the 1cr as Fixed Deposit. I do not have knowledge about investment in mutual funds or SIP. Thanks to advise.
Ans: It's commendable that you're considering the best investment route for your Rs. 1 crore savings. Let's evaluate the options you've mentioned and explore a comprehensive approach to wealth creation.

Understanding Your Investment Options
1. Investing in the Additional Flat

Illiquidity Concerns: Real estate investments are typically illiquid. Selling a property can take time and may not fetch the expected price.

Maintenance and Other Costs: Owning an additional flat comes with recurring expenses like maintenance charges, property taxes, and potential renovation costs.

Market Volatility: Property prices can fluctuate based on various factors, including economic conditions and government policies.

Rental Income Uncertainty: If you're considering renting out the flat, rental yields in many Indian cities are relatively low compared to the property's value.

2. Keeping the Amount in Fixed Deposits (FDs)

Low Returns: FDs offer fixed returns, but these may not outpace inflation, leading to a decrease in real purchasing power over time.

Tax Implications: Interest earned from FDs is taxable as per your income slab, which can further reduce the net returns.

Lack of Flexibility: Premature withdrawal from FDs can attract penalties, limiting liquidity.

Exploring Mutual Funds as an Alternative
Given that you're new to mutual funds and SIPs, it's essential to understand their potential benefits:

Professional Management: Mutual funds are managed by experienced fund managers who make investment decisions based on thorough research.

Diversification: By investing in a mutual fund, your money is spread across various assets, reducing risk.

Liquidity: Most mutual funds offer high liquidity, allowing you to redeem your investment when needed.

Potential for Higher Returns: Historically, mutual funds, especially equity-oriented ones, have offered higher returns over the long term compared to traditional instruments like FDs.

Tax Efficiency: Mutual funds can be more tax-efficient, especially with the benefits available under certain sections of the Income Tax Act.

Recommended Approach
Considering your current situation and the pros and cons of each investment option:

Avoid Investing in the Additional Flat: Given the illiquidity, associated costs, and potential market volatility, investing in another property may not be the most efficient use of your funds.

Limit Exposure to FDs: While FDs offer safety, the returns may not be sufficient to meet long-term financial goals, especially after accounting for inflation and taxes.

Consider Mutual Funds for Wealth Creation:

Start with a Lump Sum Investment: Allocate a portion of your Rs. 1 crore savings into mutual funds, focusing on a mix of equity and debt funds based on your risk appetite.

Initiate SIPs: Set up Systematic Investment Plans to invest a fixed amount regularly, benefiting from rupee cost averaging and disciplined investing.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: Given your unfamiliarity with mutual funds, seeking guidance from a certified professional can help tailor an investment strategy aligned with your financial goals.

Final Insights
Your initiative to seek advice before making a significant investment decision is commendable. By steering clear of additional real estate investments and limiting exposure to low-yield instruments like FDs, you can explore avenues like mutual funds that offer the potential for higher returns and greater flexibility. Engaging with a certified financial planner can further ensure that your investment strategy is well-aligned with your long-term financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

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