A delegation from the Vice Chancellors Council for Private Universities (VCCPU) led by Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, the Chairman of VCCPU and Provost of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, visited the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA) in Cyberjaya on Tuesday.
The meeting focused on exploring areas of mutual interest and collaboration, including Malaysia’s commitment to becoming a regional higher education hub and encouraging innovative approaches to higher education. The delegation was welcomed by Prof. Dato Dr. Mohammad Shatar bin Sabran and the senior management team of the MQA.
During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a supportive, vibrant higher education system that allows Malaysian students to achieve their academic and career goals. Besides supporting the nation’s development plans, this system also attracts international students.
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“Malaysia’s private higher education system is valued at RM 30 billion annually. If we achieve our national target of recruiting international students, this could reach RM 100 billion. In addition to the economic benefits, educating youth from around the world is also beneficial to Malaysia’s soft power and helps build advocates for Malaysia around the world.
Throughout the next decade, VCCPU will work with MQA and other stakeholders to develop private higher education in Malaysia, ensuring the highest global standards in both educational outcomes and student experiences,” Prof Mushtak said.
“MQA continues to strive to be a facilitator of high-quality Malaysian qualifications to maintain the high reputation Malaysian qualifications enjoy,” said Prof Dato Dr. Mohammad Shatar. Having the opportunity to learn from the committed leaders of the VCCPU is an honour. Our collaborative approach will support us to overcome any challenges we face.”
The meeting also explored ways to support Malaysian universities’ adoption of innovations such as micro-credentialing, digital transformation, work-based learning, and granting accreditation for previous experience.
Additionally, measures were discussed to enhance the diversity of accreditation panels and support the development of innovative and frontier educational programmes.
In principle, both sides agreed to hold a national roundtable early in 2023 to develop strategies for attracting more international students to Malaysia. Through trade missions, they further committed to collaborating with stakeholders and facilitating academic collaboration and exchange in regional countries.
MQA and VCCPU have decided to keep the communication channels open to ensure that their effective and collaborative working relationship continues to flourish.
Source: MQA
