Plan to improve higher education in the works

Dr Maszlee (middle) sharing a light moment with representatives from the private higher education institutions during the meeting. — photo courtesy of Education Ministry

A PLAN to improve private higher education will be drawn up this year.

The joint effort between the Education Ministry and private higher education institutions (IPTS) will cover six areas including the harmonisation of the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555) and Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971, internationalisation, administration, sustainability, and innovation.

Thanking stakeholders for their hard work, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said IPTS provide students with an alternative access to quality education either within, or outside the country.

He, however, stressed on the need to improve the delivery of service, quality, policy, processes, and procedures, in IPTS.

He said this in a statement after a special meeting was held between the ministry’s top officials and IPTS heads and management in Putrajaya on Thursday.

The meeting was part of the ministry’s continuous efforts to increase the involvement of all stakeholders in enhancing the country’s higher education quality.

During the event, Dr Maszlee shared the ministry’s objectives and direction to develop the sector.

He also launched the 14-member IPTS Vice-chancellor Council. MAHSA University pro-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairul Anuar Abdullah was appointed chairman of the council for the 2019/2020 session.

The council, which provides a platform for discussions between private institutions, the ministry and the relevant agencies, represents 63 private institutions comprising 53 local varsities and 10 foreign campus branches. — By CHRISTINA CHIN