Malaysian University standards have fallen and institutions has been kept at a
disadvantage because of race-based admission quotas and political
interference in university management.
In contrast, Singapore’s decision to prioritise research, keeping
English as the medium of instruction and a merit-based admissions policy
have all contributed to the success of the Universites of
Singapore’s success, according to “The Road to Academic Excellence,”
which studies what contributes to a world-class research university.
The study also noted that Malaysian secondary school students are not well prepared for tertiary education.
It points out that the Malaysian education system promotes rote
learning, conformity and uniformity rather than fresh and creative
thinking.
Salmi, a Moroccan education economist attached to the World Bank,
also notes that “disturbing political developments, from the burning of
churches to the whipping of a woman for drinking beer in public,” also
cast a shadow on Malaysia’s “image as an open and tolerant society.”
“In contrast, after 1970, Malaysian institutional goals reflected the New
Economic Policy, an affirmative action plan for ethnic Malays and
indigenous groups, put in place in the wake of disastrous 1969 ethnic
riots that took the lives of hundreds of people on both sides of the
racial divide.
Apart from the student quota system, NEP
translated into more scholarships to Bumiputeras, special programmes to
facilitate their entry into higher education institutions, and the use
of the Malay language in place of English in the entire education system
by 1983.
“In Malaysian universities and in government, the policy impact spiralled upward so that
Bumiputera staff members, over time, secured almost all senior
management, administrative, and academic positions.
“As Singapore universities kept pace with the demands of a growing economy that sought
to become competitive internationally, with English continuing as the
language of instruction and research, Malaysian universities began to focus inward as
proficiency in English declined in favour of the national language Bahasa Malaysia and the New Economic Policy’s social goals took
precedence.”
There has been widespread recognition
that the implementation of affirmative action policies in Malaysia has
hurt the higher education system, sapping Malaysia’s economic
competitiveness and driving some (mainly Chinese and Indians) to more
meritocratic countries, such as Singapore.
This is important element in the making of a world-class university, as well as
top-grade talent.
“The difference between a good university and great university comes down to talent.”
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