Well, in the perspective of obtaining a pilot license . . . there isnt really much flexibility or how should I say . . . view of the process of obtaining a pilot license. I meant that by going abroad, one can experience a whole new scene of aviation outside of Malaysia, outside the comforts of our country, as well as to experience how the aviation industry is "run" abroad. Perhaps the individual may gain some insight, and hopefully appreciate even more what we have in our country.
Take for example the US. No other place in the world (as far as I know of . . . correct me if I am mistaken*) requires a pilot flying VFR to file a flight plan. They simply just gas up and fly off! As for the culture, its a more liberated culture there for good & for worse. Regarding network, well there is nothing quite like Oshkosh fly-ins. Where else in the world can you get the opportunity to gather together with thousands of aviators & make new friends & contacts which share the same passion as you? Not quite, unless you're planning to attend Farnbrough 2011. hehe* Or head down to the local FBO during off periods and you see the local operators as well as pilots/mechanics/friends just chilling and talking about what they all have in common - a love for aviation. Not airlines in general, but corporate aviation developments, fun flights, near misses, the latest in bio-diesel fuel etc . . . you get the picture.
But like I said, if you just plan to masuk Airasia or MAS straight after 200 hrs, a local flight academy would suite your needs more. It all depends on the individuals goals, if he/she intends to go airline ASAP with the necessary qualifications, a academy like MFA, APFT, GGIFA, HMA would suite their needs since the local schools to cater mostly to this market of cadets. Nothing wrong with that.
But if the individual wishes to go to the airlines (sooner or later) but wishes to understand & experience bush flying, non scheduled island charter operations, deepening one's knowledge & understanding by teaching or being an instructor etc . . ., well there exist less of those opportunities in Malaysia, besides being an FI of course! hehe* Again, one might brand them as foolish or "what/why are you wasting your time with those?", again it depends on the individual's goals & intention.
Gosh this is a long write . . . sorry drebarbas might have gone a lil too far than you intended . . . hehe*
Hopefully it would shed some light unto your query.