Nationality doesn't matter for banks as long as shinny degree. Cream of world top 10 uni SG won't be your only pick. The job will look for you, not you look for job. Take Malaysia's scholarship or not now then see your analysis leh, you accepted into Top 10 university, should be able to make the judgment call.

Yes, some have gone from msian IB to SG IB, typically after 4+ years with a reset analyst rank. It isn't an easy transition but then again it isn't cakewalk getting in straight out undergrad either, even with an ivy league or similar degree. This is from first hand experience though on the buy-side not IB.

My own general input here (I'm not from the banking line so someone please correct me if what I say doesn't apply)

No industry is "what it used to be" if you're referring to 20-30 years ago, but that shouldn't be a big concern to you
As Fiona mentioned there if you graduate with great results from one of the world's top 10 universities, you'll likely get a position
Fall in recruiting affects the average and below average the most, the top guys shouldn't have a problem (unless its a dying industry)

If you have a good track record in MY there will be opportunities in SG. In fact your company may be more than willing to transfer you internally
And all companies should prefer to promote within, hire from outside when there's no viable internal candidate (unless something political is going on)
I don't think banking is any different from any other industry in this aspect

Yes, that is the prevailing view but even with the demotion compensation goes up. Hard to compare when even junior professionals in top tier banking and buyside roles in SG make north of RM50-60k/m all-in. I started in Msia but I would say that there are very few "good" buy side seats for fresh grads and these pay comfortably above what local IBs pay, pm me if you want names--i prefer to stay somewhat anonymous.

I'm really curious, are there that many Top 10 uni grads in Malaysia that getting a position in IB is that hard?
I understand that for the US, or maybe SG, but didn't expect that for MY

Or is it that they value other things like internships rather than degrees?

Or maybe there are very few openings

Edit: I just thought of the obvious, or is it that they mostly hire from people with experience in other lines of banking rather than fresh grads?

I don't think so, since the barriers to entry in Malaysian IB is relatively easy. I have friends from my ex-firm doing DCM/ECM roles in local banks such as RHB/CIMB. A top-10 Uni grad should get in relatively easily.

I suppose it's a question of whether it's better to get your foot through the door in KL, then use that to jump into SG, or risk to chance of trying in SG (against all the competition here, especially without prior relevant experience)

During the good days, the IB will pluck out the top local grads before they graduate to fill the role. Those pluck out are given more opportunity to excel, labeled as "scholars". But if don't perform, they also will be kicked out.

For you guys coming over either as fresh grads or lao jiao, you will lose out to the fame of the local university, local exposure and network aka connections. Build up the connections in school or working during the time in Malaysia. You know IB has no life in the early 5-10 years right?

Personally, I am not an expert in the Front Office environment and I can see some has offered good feedback to u. In term of nationality, there is not much barrier in SG compared to other countries, however it also created a very competitive landscape where u are competing with grads from all countries from world's top uni. I think funding tuition fee is not a question if u can afford to complete it. Based on IB total comp I think u can easily cover it within 1-2 years if u are high achiever. Remuneration wise, IB in Malaysia is definitely lagging behind compared to SG. I do agree with iceypain on sort of "reset" part as it is viewed as lesser value compared to a competitive environment. U can still achieve better total comp even with reset from MY to SG.
My personal view on the differences are mainly platform, sustainability and complexity. If u compare IB in SG and MY on these 3 elements, I believe there are huge gap which time spent in MY IB is not much valued in SG. The platform to run deals are so different between IB in MY compared to Swiss pure play. Products complexity is another level. 10M USD deals means differently on both sides.
Nevertheless, if u manage to start in SG definitely better than MY (The breakthrough part is true, ivy leagues are flooded in IB world). I understand there is leveling in IB based on experience/deals as well. Top uni is at least an entry ticket but portfolio and deals come after that.
Regarding to IB job market right now (My personal view) - I think it is not that good. Looking at high-level financial sheets from BB and Swiss pure play, those with high PTI had already done their major revamp on IB structure. They are left with core and quite "skinny" combining/hybrid of parts of IB, HF, GM, CM, FID etc. Some are still bleeding due to slow in exiting some parts of their "fats".
Recruiting definitely slower to none right now and I think people are just waiting market to picking up and hopefully soon.

Good luck  . Actually I don't know why I was in IB. Its the norm dream for the locals then everyone follow the hype. Thanks to instagram and facebook for free promo on the life of IB people when they go on biz trip or vacation. Money is very good because you have no time to spend it.

After few years apply to transfer to management. Now 9-5 so happy even though bonus is much less.

Personally, I would take up scholarship mainly because half a million ringgit is big sum and secured job opportunity upon grad (A less risky option - different people has different risk appetite anyway). U have to look into terms and condition drafted on scholarship contract and what/how much compensation of breaking the bond. I'd assume a gradually decrease in payback.
But if u dare to take the risk, assuming everything goes smoothly, I believe u can fully recover your tuition fee in about 3-4 years.