It’s not rankings that we should avoid, but the pitfalls associated with them. Concerns, if any, about rankings should be directed at governance and leadership decisions within universities, Universiti Putra Malaysia vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ismi Arif Ismail opines.
“Problems arise when institutions manipulate data, chase cosmetic indicators or neglect the quality of teaching and learning in pursuit of higher positions.
“These are weaknesses in institutional governance, not flaws inherent in the ranking systems themselves,” he said.
He added that one often-overlooked value of rankings is their role in strengthening accountability.
The requirement to submit consistent, auditable and internationally comparable data, he said, compels universities to improve data management, performance monitoring and evidence-based decision-making.
“Without such external evaluation requirements, universities risk operating within a comfort zone where success is loosely defined and weaknesses are easily rationalised.
“When approached strategically, rankings can function as diagnostic tools, offering insights into institutional strengths, gaps and areas for improvement, while also supporting international visibility,” he said.
He, however, cautioned that universities must remain vigilant against pressures that could lead to unethical practices, including data manipulation or cosmetic reporting.
He stressed the need to strengthen integrity-based data governance to ensure that all submitted information accurately reflects actual performance.
Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman echoed the view that rankings should serve accountability rather than prestige alone, particularly for publicly funded institutions.
He said rankings function as assessment frameworks that help ensure universities act as catalysts for public service and guardians of accountability.
“We bear the responsibility to fulfil the mandate of the people, the nation and humanity,” he said, adding that funding derived from taxpayers and the government must be invested responsibly and translated into world-class teaching, research and nation-building outcomes.
According to Prof Noor Azuan, rankings are not mechanisms of pressure for pressure’s sake, but benchmarks that uphold the standards expected of a national institution.
“Every academic and researcher entrusted with public funds must meet clear expectations, not only in productivity, but also in integrity and quality.
“In a climate of tightening resources, rising risks and increasing public scrutiny, universities must demonstrate that they remain worthy of continued investment. It is upon us to show that Malaysia’s oldest and leading university is unwavering in its mission to serve the people through excellence, equity and impact,” he said. — BY JAAYNE JEEVITA
