SEPANG: The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) must expand its role beyond accreditation, documentation, compliance and audits to become a key enabler of transformation and a builder of trust in Malaysia’s higher education ecosystem, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
The Higher Education Minister says quality assurance carries a broader mission in building confidence, enabling innovation and safeguarding Malaysia’s reputation as a trusted higher education destination.
“For many, quality assurance is often associated with accreditation, documentation, compliance and audits. This remains important, but it no longer defines the full purpose of quality assurance,” he said in his keynote address at the MQA Presidents’ Forum (Universities) 2026, Bernama reported.
Zambry said the current higher education landscape requires a quality assurance system that is agile, responsive, internationally connected and future-oriented as learning pathways continue to evolve beyond traditional qualifications.
He said students are increasingly combining university degrees with professional certifications, pursuing micro-credentials and engaging in lifelong learning, requiring higher education systems to adapt to new forms of learning and recognition.
“This is where MQA plays a strategic national role, not merely as a regulator but as an enabler of transformation. Not merely as a guardian of standards but as a builder of confidence,” he said.
Zambry said trust is a strategic advantage for Malaysia as an international education hub.
“With international students from over 180 countries, maintaining confidence in the country’s higher education system requires strict adherence to quality standards, including ensuring the authenticity of qualifications and the credibility of programmes,” he said.
He also said efforts to strengthen quality assurance are aligned with the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035, which aims to develop a globally respected, trusted and future-ready higher education ecosystem.
He highlighted the importance of Asean collaboration in strengthening higher education, saying that the future of the region will be shaped not only by trade, but also by education.
“We believe knowledge grows through sharing, innovation advances through collaboration and quality strengthens through mutual trust,” he said.
