Crisis comms module now available for higher education institutions, says Noraini

Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad - Filepic/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Higher education institutions (HEIs) now have a module to refer to for crisis communications that has been created for them, says Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad.

She said the Risk and Crisis Communication Module for HEIs is timely as the country continues to face Covid-19 pandemic and the unprecedented uncertainty it has brought on the population.

“Undoubtedly, Covid-19 has accelerated the efforts of HEIs to bring up questions on risk and crisis communication to ensure the sustainability of their respective institutions,” the Higher Education Minister said when launching the module on Thursday (Sept 30).

Since the implementation of the movement control order in March 2020, Noraini said all HEIs have been instructed to suspend their administrative operations and academic activities.

“Undoubtedly, this challenge has put our HEIs in an uncertain environment, facing complicated situations and being in ambiguity, or volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA),” she added.

Noraini said as a result of VUCA, these institutions have to be prepared to manage the risks faced with proactive leadership skills and sound strategic planning.

She added that the survival of HEIs depends on the extent to which they can master communication to deal with risks and crises that occur.

“No matter what severe crisis situation we are in, effective communication must be practiced.”

She also said the module supports the sixth and 10th shift of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015 - 2025 (Higher Education), which are strengthening governance and transformation of higher education delivery.

Both these shifts emphasise the aspects of innovation or reform in the governance and operating system of the HEIs, she added.

“I hope that with the strategic collaboration between public universities and the ministry, this module will be a reference for HEIs to manage risk and crisis communication more effectively in the future,” said Noraini.