Over the last decade, Malaysia has established itself as an optimistic contender in the field of education, particularly for offering affordable yet high-quality tertiary education in the Asian region. The nation has set ambitious goals in its journey toward becoming a high-income developed country, aiming to enhance international collaborations and foster the exchange of knowledge and talent across borders. This aspiration to evolve into a regional hub for top-notch higher education is deeply ingrained in Malaysia’s higher education sector transformation plan, known as the National Higher Education Strategic Plan 2020. These discussions were further elaborated upon at the 27th Elets World Education Summit in Malaysia, where renowned experts shared their valuable insights on this topic.
Stella Lau, Managing Director, SEGi University and Colleges in Malaysia, shared some key strategies that have proven successful in maintaining a balance between cost and quality in education. SEGi University and Colleges, with one university and five colleges in Malaysia, has also recently acquired three international schools.
One of the primary strategies employed is fostering strong partnerships with industry stakeholders. These partnerships provide essential resources, internships, and real-world experiences for students. For example, collaborations with companies like Sony have enriched creative arts and design courses, offering expertise in filmmaking and videography. The pharmacy program benefits from partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, which invest in equipment and research resources.
SEGi University and Colleges have forged alliances with various industry players, including Malaysia Airlines and Realme, a technology brand. These collaborations encompass joint teaching, offering students real-world experiences and insights. Scholarships and partnerships with organizations like EMGN further open doors to global education access.
Stella Lau emphasized the importance of esports in education, highlighting how it teaches students resilience, communication, and strategy. SEGi University and Colleges actively engage with industry experts and organize events, such as the Game On Expo, to nurture future leaders.
Another successful strategy is leveraging technology to deliver cost-effective education. SEGi has launched the SEGi Meta Campus, incorporating blockchain technology to validate and verify academic certificates securely. The institution also provides free access to Microsoft and partners with Google and Microsoft to offer free online courses. Online exams are conducted with e-proctoring to maintain authenticity.
Lastly, SEGi University and Colleges’ listing on the stock exchange, coupled with its recognition for high return on equity over three years, reflects its commitment to providing quality education while managing costs effectively.
Prof. Datuk Ir Ts Dr Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir, Group CEO & Vice-Chancellor of UCSI University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, discussed the landscape of higher education in Malaysia, particularly focusing on international students. She noted that Malaysia has been ranked as a top destination for international students and highlighted the country’s efforts to democratize higher education.
Prof. Siti Hamisah mentioned the importance of quality, cost, culture, comfort, and language in attracting international students to Malaysia. She explained that Malaysia had pioneered transnational higher education programs like 3+0 and 4+0, which allowed students to earn degrees from reputable institutions at an affordable cost.
She acknowledged the challenges in implementing educational policies and mentioned the need for monitoring and execution. Prof. Siti Hamisah also emphasized the role of technology as an enabler for delivering cost-effective and quality education.
She shared insights into the sustainability, affordability, and quality triangle in higher education and mentioned the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration to address these challenges.
Zarina Nalla, Chief Operating Officer at the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) in Malaysia, discussed the challenge of balancing cost-effective education with quality education in a post-pandemic world. She emphasized the need to prepare students holistically, not just for industry needs, and highlighted the importance of creating well-rounded individuals.
Zarina also shared concerns about students who cannot afford private education and may drop out of the system, potentially leading to increased poverty. She pointed out that online learning is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and some students prefer face-to-face interactions with educators.
Furthermore, Zarina urged private institutions to consider a social agenda alongside profits and called for collaboration with the government or civil society to ensure social mobility for all. She emphasized the importance of aligning the organization’s strategic intent with the changing landscape of education.
