APEX University

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.

Ways to be World Class

In awaiting the announcement by the Prime Minister of Malaysia this afternoon regarding the selection of the university to be placed under the Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX), let us ponder upon some of the pointers highlighted by the eminent Asian scholar, Professor Wang Gungwu, about world-class universities at a recent international conference.

"World-class universities need to be consistent in recognising talents and reward them accordingly"

I interpret this statement that transparency and meritocracy being the core values in developing universities to be world-class. This means that evaluation of talents will have no bearing on religion, gender, race, ethnicity, family background or political leaning; but solely on the ability of the individual.

"Sweat and Passion"

To be the best, sweat and passion are the necessities. In my intepretation, passion initiates the drive and motivation in wanting to achieve the objective. In the process of working hard to strive for the objective, sweat is the immediate sign reflecting much efforts had been put into the task. Therefore, sweat and passion are essential items to be the best.

"Modernity do not threaten culture or tradition, but is enriching"

Prof. Wang was talking about modernity of Asian universities. People tend to respond that modernity is a threat to culture or tradition. However, modernity can also be an enriching experience for universities, without compromising the culture and tradition, if great care were given to balance the act. Therefore, universities in aspiring to be world-class need to balance modernity and the preservation of culture and tradition, to provide a wholesome educational experiences for the graduates.

Perhaps, as Malaysians await the announcement for the APEX university, it is also interesting to ponder and reflect about the characteristics of what it takes for higher education institutions in the country to become truly world-class universities, instead of merely taking the various world rankings as the sole indication of success.