VARSITIES MUST ENSURE TOTAL BALANCE OF ECOSYSTEMS AS BENCHMARK, NOT JUST RANKING

NILAI, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- Every university needs to ensure the comprehensive balance of the ecosystems as a benchmark, and not just make the achievement of its ranking, the main objective, said Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

He said this is because for a university to excel, it also involves the position of the study system, students and quality of lecturers, in addition to the publication or research produced.

"So, I consider this ranking as just a guideline and not the ultimate or which finally becomes the most important objective in a university. Universities need to be balanced in terms of the national requirement to gain recognition.

"We are from a developing country in the field of education, so surely there must be a benchmark for our universities but this (the ranking) is not the only criterion to make a university famous,” he told reporters after officiating the fourth series of the "Kepimpinan Muda Kebangsaan Karisma: Pemikir MADANI” programme here today.

However, he did not refute the fact that university rankings could give a new perspective to international students to further their studies here and, thus, instil confidence in the university system in Malaysia.

Zambry also said that the ministry will carry out improvements to the needs of students among Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in institutions of higher learning (IPT) from time to time to ensure the PwD Inclusive Policy in IPTs is implemented.

"I have said that we also want this group to be on our committee, sitting with us to ensure whatever their future needs may be are met,” he said.

In another development, he said all higher education centres must take a serious view of the bullying issue, although there have been no complaints regarding this matter in public universities.

Asked if there is a need for a system to separate seniors and juniors to avoid bullying incidents, should they exist, in public universities, he said this would require taking into consideration the views of all parties, with a comprehensive assessment.

Earlier, he said that the "Karisma: Pemikir MADANI” programme, attended by 100 young lecturers, was aimed at fostering and strengthening young leadership in the higher education sector, in addition to providing an opportunity for participants to hold interactive dialogues with the KPT's top leaders.

"It is also to give additional knowledge about leadership through ceramah (talks) and, through this programme, participants will be exposed to issues related to higher education aspirations in the MADANI era, which stresses the principles of progress, democracy and integrity,” he said.

-- BERNAMA