Higher Education in Malaysia

This chapter charts the development of higher education in Malaysia, which has evolved from a focus on nation-building to a preoccupation with international positioning and reputation. From a single autonomous campus to having 1.2 million students enrolled in a vibrant higher education system with public and private institutions, this chapter also discusses issues in higher education in the country. These include pertinent initiatives and their outcomes that are straddling between nation-building and a global concern such as inclusive and equity in terms of gender, ethnicity, financing relating to access. The chapter also highlights key issues on student assessment, curriculum, and quality in a system that has been fast expanding. In addition, key innovative initiatives in Malaysian higher education, such as digital technologies, distance education, and flexible learning pathway, are discussed. Matters relating to the academic profession, training, professional development, and leadership and governance of the system and institutions are among the topics discussed in the chapter. The concluding section relates to the role of higher education for the development of Malaysia and, importantly, postulates trends and critical challenges for the future.