If you want it, get it 
Buy a notebook that you like, instead of what's most popular ~

IMO, alot of mac lovers dislike macbook air because they pride mac alot for being very powerful but macbook air isn't. They'd think that if you wanna get an air, you'd rather go for the conventional windows laptop for they are all less powerful.

But as you stated, there's the pros and cons. And what you should do here is state the high end programs you may be using as a computer student and ask the experts here if Macbook air is powerful enough for them. If it is, then go for the sexy macbook air since it's what you want.

I don't know much about laptops, so I can't help you there.

MacBookPro 15" (Retina Display), i7-3720QM + Nvidia GT650M + 512GB SSD + (2880x1800)@RM8699[2.02kg], 8GB, backlit keyboard, Mac OSX
That is basically the most expensive / powerful MBP in Malaysia right now.
MBA/MBP just use the same Intel CPU Nvidia GPU as normal windows laptop. It's definitely NOT "more powerful" in any stretch of imagination
What set MBA/MBP apart is the build quality, the Retina Display, branding , OSX.

So if a buyer think (perceived) build quality, the great screen, the brand, or the OSX is good for them, go for MBA/MBP.
Otherwise, a normal laptop from other brands with i7 CPU, Nvidia GPU, SSD, will be as powerful

do you mean MBA/MBP? With that budget, you could only afford these 13":
MacBookAir 13", i5-3427U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD + (1440x900)@RM3699[1.35kg], 4GB, backlit keyboard, Mac OSX
MacBookPro 13", i5-3210M + Intel HD4000 + (1280x800)@RM3699[2.06kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), backlit keyboard, Mac OSX

Since you like MBA, alternative from other brands:

Acer
Aspire S7-391-53314G12, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD + (1920x1080; touch)@RM3799, 4GB, W8

Asus
UX31A-R4005H, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD + (1920 x 1080)@RM3599[1.3kg], 4GB, W8

Dell
XPS13, i5-3337U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD@RM3399[1.36kg], 4GB, W8, backlit

HP
Envy SpectreXT 13-2215TU, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD@RM2899[1.39kg], 4GB, W8,backlit keyboard
Envy SpectreXT 13-2216TU, i7-3537U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD@RM3699[1.39kg], 4GB, W8,backlit keyboard

Lenovo
IdeaPad Yoga 13, i5-3337U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD@RM3399, 4GB, 2 years

Sony
Vaio SVT13126CVS, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + (1366x768;touch) + 128GB SSD@RM2899[1.66kg], 4GB, W8; color: silver; Vaio carrying case
Vaio SVT13136CVS, i5-3337U + Intel HD4000 + (1366x768;touch) + 128GB SSD@RM2999[1.66kg], 4GB, W8; color: silver; Vaio carrying case

Toshiba
Portégé Z930-2035, i5-3337U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD@RM3799[1.12kg], W8, 6GB, 3 years warranty (1st year on-site)

But I strongly suggest you wait for Haswell if you are not in a hurry. Most laptop brands (including Apple) should refresh their line-up by 3Q13. (I think the Machine is already taking order for Haswell spec MBA, for example).