As the core measure for China to promote institutional opening, the free trade zone (FTZ) policy plays an important role in driving economic growth and fostering new quality productivity (NEWP). This study uses panel data from 285 Chinese cities from 2012 to 2022 and employs a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model to empirically examine the impact of FTZ policies on NEWP. The study found that the FTZ policy has a significant impact on the improvement of NEWP. The empirical results show that FTZ policies significantly promote NEWP, with stronger effects observed in coastal regions, indicating regional heterogeneity. Foreign direct investment plays a key mediating role. After a series of robustness tests, such as the parallel trend test and robustness check, the conclusion still holds. The FTZ policy is an effective way to promote the development of China’s NEWP by improving the investment environment to attract foreign investment. The FTZ government strengthens the coordinated cooperation between domestic and foreign capital and builds a modern industrial system through the attraction of foreign investment by institutional opening. This study provides an important theoretical and empirical basis for improving the implementation effect of FTZ policies, promoting the development of NEWP, and fostering high-quality economic growth.

This study examines the impact of push and pull factors on international student loyalty in Malaysian higher education, focusing on the mediating role of student satisfaction. Push factors include limited higher education opportunities in students' home countries, economic challenges, and political instability. Meanwhile, pull factors such as education quality, affordable living costs, institutional reputation, and cultural diversity play a significant role in attracting students to Malaysia. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the Partial Least Squares (PLS) approach, this study analyzes data from 512 international students enrolled in public higher education institutions in Malaysia. The findings reveal that pull factors have a significant direct effect on student satisfaction and loyalty. Conversely, push factors do not show a significant effect on satisfaction or loyalty. Additionally, student satisfaction serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between pull factors and student loyalty, indicating that campus experience and support services play a crucial role in shaping international students’ loyalty. These findings emphasize that the attractiveness of institutions and the Malaysian educational environment play a crucial role in ensuring international students' satisfaction and loyalty. This study contributes to providing insights for policymakers to strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness as a global education destination.