The country embarks on a transformative journey in higher education, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim advocating for greater autonomy and digital transformation in universities. This initiative, in response to Malaysia’s declining PISA rankings, aims to elevate global competitiveness and align academic offerings with industry requirements.
In a groundbreaking move to overhaul Malaysia’s higher education system, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir have championed a significant shift towards autonomy and digital transformation in the nation’s academic institutions. This initiative responds to Malaysia’s recent decline in global education rankings, as highlighted by its performance in the Program for International Student Assessment.
Addressing a gathering at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre, the Prime Minister underscored the need for Malaysian higher learning institutions to gain more autonomy to foster competitiveness and produce high-caliber graduates.
Anwar, drawing from his experiences in academia, pointed out that while Western education systems have their merits, they also have notable flaws. He stressed the importance of discipline and rigorous knowledge pursuit to enable Malaysian students to meet global standards.
He outlined a vision that strikes a balance between language proficiency and cultural identity. The Prime Minister underscored the need for harmonious equilibrium, prioritizing the Malay language while enhancing English proficiency.
This educational reform agenda comes at a critical time as Malaysia grapples with its disappointing performance in the 2022 PISA. Ranking 55th out of 81 countries, Malaysia’s students showed a marked decline in proficiency in reading, mathematics, and science. This decline places Malaysia in the bottom third globally, significantly behind ASEAN counterparts like Singapore and Vietnam.
Digital Education Policy
In response, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced the Digital Education Policy, aiming to foster a generation adept in digital technology. The DEP faces challenges as approximately 40.6 percent of Malaysian 15-year-olds fail to meet the minimum international standards in key subjects. The policy’s success hinges on leveraging digital technology to make education more accessible and equitable, and integrating innovations like artificial intelligence to provide personalized learning experiences.
The MoHE Strategy Discourse, a pivotal platform for this transformation, brought together education leaders, industry experts, and stakeholders. The discourse focused on redefining MoHE’s objectives and introducing innovative ideas into existing programs. A significant part of this transformation includes accelerating new course creation and accreditation in universities, aiming to position Malaysia as a global education hub.
The emphasis on autonomy in higher education institutions is seen as a key driver for innovation and alignment with industry needs. This approach involves minimizing bureaucratic processes and empowering universities to develop and implement effective programs rapidly. Minister Zambry assured continuity in implementing policies and plans across universities, polytechnics, and community colleges.
Collaborative efforts
Furthermore, aligning academic offerings with current industry requirements emerged as a vital strategy. The introduction of micro-credential modules has been proposed as a solution for educational reform. These modules aim to provide more flexible, skill-oriented learning opportunities that are in line with the rapidly evolving job market.
In his address, Anwar also invited intellectuals and academicians to collaborate in overcoming the national educational shortcomings and fostering a learning spirit among the youth. He expressed confidence in the Unity Government’s ability to set and achieve significant priorities in various sectors, including education.
The two-day discourse, organized by the Higher Education Ministry, aimed to realign strategies, propose initiatives, and tackle strategic issues. It involved interactive presentations and forums by various experts, serving as a melting pot of ideas and perspectives to reshape Malaysia’s educational landscape.
Visa liberalization
In 2023, Malaysia introduced a visa liberalization plan, focusing on drawing foreign talent and tourists to strengthen its position in Asia’s investment and tourism sectors. Valid until Dec. 31, 2026, this initiative includes several key measures.
A notable feature is the Graduate Social Visit Pass, available to international students from 23 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. This pass, valid for one year, facilitates tourism, study, and work in specific sectors for graduates from Malaysian higher education institutions. It also includes a Multiple Entry Visa, with dependents eligible for a Long-Term Social Visit Pass.
Malaysian Immigration is granting Chinese and Indian nationals a 30-day visa-free stay from Dec. 1 to 31, 2024, with an extended visa validity period of up to six months.
Additionally, the Social Visit Pass duration has been extended from 14 to 30 days for citizens of 22 countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Hong Kong. This extension, however, does not permit further stay beyond 30 days. The newly introduced Umrah transit visa offers a 7-day visit option for nationals from 32 countries, catering to those visiting Malaysia before or after the Umrah pilgrimage.
The Prime Minister’s challenge and the subsequent response by the Ministry of Higher Education set the stage for a transformative era in Malaysian education. With a focus on global competitiveness, innovation, and alignment with industry needs, Malaysia’s higher education sector is poised for major reforms. These reforms promise not only to improve the nation’s standing in global education rankings but also to ensure that its graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the modern world.
