Week 2 : Governance, Management and Practice of Higher Education

Development of Higher Education in Malaysia

In my opinion, Malaysia succeed in democratizing higher education and produce the number of graduates to meet the manpower requirement economic growth. It start with the first higher education institute, the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur on 1st January 1962. Followed by Institute Teknologi MARA on 14 October 1967, Universiti Sains Malaysia (1969), Universiti Kebangsaan (1970). Universiti Pertanian (1971) & Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (1975) then it became 20 public university now in Malaysia. Besides public universities, Malaysia also have more than 500 high institution in our higher educational system. In 1996, the National Council on Higher Education was established.

Issues in quality of Higher Education in Malaysia

Quality being the most important issues in our country. The establishment of the Ministry of Education (MOE) in 2004 is a government support mechanism for the development of local universities.

The Malaysian government regards the issue of standardisation of accreditation as a necessary condition for international higher education (Morshidi and Sarjit 2007). In early 2007, Malaysia Qualifications Framework (MQF) had been approved by parliamentary and in November 2007, Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) have been established as a small steps for Malaysia in terms of raising the overall quality of higher education in line with development at the international level.  All public universities or private sector aiming to be 'World Class University' as the measure of quality of their institutions.

The second issue that give a big concern for Malaysia is the higher education framework that prepares graduates for an interconnected world and a highly globalised economy.

In order to be an important focal point in the global network, we needs to prepare global-ready graduates for a workforce that requires inter- and multi-cultural competencies, which will ensure success in dealing with problems and threats that have come about from the advance of globalisation. This “global workforce development” initiatives (Bremer 2006) could be realised through changes in the priorities and objectives of higher educational institutions in Malaysia. Human capital includes not only the contributions that educated graduates make to the economy, but also the non-monetary benefits they contribute to society through improved parenting, healthier lifestyles, greater civic participation, and increased social cohesion (Haveman, Bershadker, and Schwabish 2003).

Other issue that had been taken placed is ‘Internationalization versus Globalization in Higher Education’. Internationalization of higher education is no longer merely desirable; it is a necessity. It is one of the ways a country responds to the impact of globalization yet, at the same time respects the individuality of the nation.  (Knight, 1997). Internationalization of higher education is the process of integrating international dimension into the teaching, research, and public service function of the institution.

Summary

Through my observation and what i have learned and discussed before this with my teachers, there are some issues in Higher Education that always been emphasized by the academicians in my country.  

Quality of higher education

·         The increasement in the number of university
·         The MQF and MQA
·         Placement in the list rank of 'World Class University'

Quality of graduates

·         The increasement of student numbers
·         Students’ performance
·         Factors affecting student achievement

Teaching Method

·         Teaching & learning facilities
·         Mode of delivery
·         Teaching or researching

In the process to develop the world of higher education, there are many challenges and critical issues have to be faced. However, if we put and manipulate it in the right place, these challenges and issues can be used as a moral boost to improve the quality and credibility of an institution of higher learning.

Reference :

1. Muniapan, Balakrishnan, ISSUES AND CHALLENGES OF MANAGEMENT EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA, Curtin University of Technology,  Miri, Sarawak

2. Ministry of Higher Education.

http://www.mohe.gov.my/educationmsia/index.php?article=mohe

3. Minister Of Education, Malaysia – Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025

4. Malaysian Qualification Agency www.mqa.gov.my

5. Sirat,Morshidi (2009).Trends in International Higher Education and Regionalism:  Issues and Challenges for Malaysia