The value of ‘academic maturity’

“The academic profession has not gone through much change within the last few decades. The structures of academia within universities in Malaysia have concentrated more on quantitative production of books and articles, promoting academics to the level of professors; no changes that relate to rigorous standards have really challenged the traditional modes of promotion. Hardworking and bright academics have done well, though not all of them have been appointed emeritus professors. Some academics have left the profession in search of greener pastures, while some have stayed put and not cared whether they received promotion or not. The question thus remains: has the system within academia been competitive and rigorous enough?”

– Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Hood Mohd Salleh, 80, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia“