Development studies, a multidisciplinary branch of social science, has huge career potential in developing countries like Malaysia, said Dr Marie Aimee Tourres, a senior research fellow at the Department of Development Studies of Universiti Malaya. \"The country will benefit from development economics specialists in many areas, both at national and international levels,\" she said. Indeed, Malaysia is often looked up by many developing countries, which gives more value for students taking up the course, she told Bernama in an interview. It is understood that development studies has historically placed a particular focus on issues related to social and economic development, and its relevance may therefore extend to communities and regions outside of the developing world. Universiti Malaya introduced the course in 2010 as part of its Masters\' programme under the Faculty of Economics and Administration.