THE JOY
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was awarded the status of the first APEX university in Malaysia. Congratulations to USM! There were certainly a sense of joy in me as I have just received the fellowship from USM to pursue a doctoral studies in UK. After all, who is not happy to be associated with the institution that were targetted to implement the accelerated programme for excellence, which means transforming into a world-class institution of higher education.
THE DISAPPOINTMENT
However, the announcement of the APEX university also has an element of disappointment. Being an alumni of University of Malaya (UM), one cannot help but felt disappointed that the oldest and highest-ranked university in Malaysia (according to the controversial THES-QS ranking) failed to obtain the APEX status.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE RELATING BOTH INSTITUTIONS
I have studied in UM and worked briefly in UM as well as USM. What I would like to share is my personal experience of the institutions' enthusiam in grabbing people which are able to contribute.
I received an offer to pursue a doctoral programme in UK. I approach both UM and USM for fellowship support. Being an alumni of UM, my initial priority was to apply for fellowship and thereafter, serve the institution upon the completion of the doctoral studies. However, after approaching many mid-level academic leaders in the university, I just could not submit the application for the fellowship, as I was kicked all around here and there. Finally, through someone in the administration, I managed to get the application directly to the Vice Chancellor. I have to admit, the Vice Chancellor was very supportive and forthcoming. However, even with the strong support of the Vice Chancellor, I was only called for an interview two months after submitting the application to the VC. (By that time, USM has already offered me the provisional offer for the fellowship).
Concurrently, as I was working temporary in USM, the university also came to know about the doctoral offer, and my director in particular, was very enthusiatic to help me secure a fellowship with the university. Due to the multi-disciplinary area that I will be approaching, schools in USM were not keen to offer the fellowship. However, when the application was appealed to the Deputy Vice Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor, the application was approved the following day. How could I not whole-heartily accept such a great offer from people who were so sincere in wanting me to serve the university and contribute in the future.
Although this is just a mere case of offering fellowship, this does reflect the attitude and culture of the institutions in training and retaining people who could contribute. This is an important step towards being a world-class institution. After all, my doctoral offer is from the world's oldest English speaking university.
P/s: I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for individuals who have supported my application tremendously in both USM and UM. Thank you.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was awarded the status of the first APEX university in Malaysia. Congratulations to USM! There were certainly a sense of joy in me as I have just received the fellowship from USM to pursue a doctoral studies in UK. After all, who is not happy to be associated with the institution that were targetted to implement the accelerated programme for excellence, which means transforming into a world-class institution of higher education.
THE DISAPPOINTMENT
However, the announcement of the APEX university also has an element of disappointment. Being an alumni of University of Malaya (UM), one cannot help but felt disappointed that the oldest and highest-ranked university in Malaysia (according to the controversial THES-QS ranking) failed to obtain the APEX status.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE RELATING BOTH INSTITUTIONS
I have studied in UM and worked briefly in UM as well as USM. What I would like to share is my personal experience of the institutions' enthusiam in grabbing people which are able to contribute.
I received an offer to pursue a doctoral programme in UK. I approach both UM and USM for fellowship support. Being an alumni of UM, my initial priority was to apply for fellowship and thereafter, serve the institution upon the completion of the doctoral studies. However, after approaching many mid-level academic leaders in the university, I just could not submit the application for the fellowship, as I was kicked all around here and there. Finally, through someone in the administration, I managed to get the application directly to the Vice Chancellor. I have to admit, the Vice Chancellor was very supportive and forthcoming. However, even with the strong support of the Vice Chancellor, I was only called for an interview two months after submitting the application to the VC. (By that time, USM has already offered me the provisional offer for the fellowship).
Concurrently, as I was working temporary in USM, the university also came to know about the doctoral offer, and my director in particular, was very enthusiatic to help me secure a fellowship with the university. Due to the multi-disciplinary area that I will be approaching, schools in USM were not keen to offer the fellowship. However, when the application was appealed to the Deputy Vice Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor, the application was approved the following day. How could I not whole-heartily accept such a great offer from people who were so sincere in wanting me to serve the university and contribute in the future.
Although this is just a mere case of offering fellowship, this does reflect the attitude and culture of the institutions in training and retaining people who could contribute. This is an important step towards being a world-class institution. After all, my doctoral offer is from the world's oldest English speaking university.
P/s: I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for individuals who have supported my application tremendously in both USM and UM. Thank you.
