AN OVERVIEW OF THE MALAYSIAN HIGHER EDUCATION ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The development of the Malaysian Higher Education System began with the establishment of the Medical College in Singapore in 1905 which later became the origin of the University of Malaya in 1962. Over the years more than twenty universities have been established with fine campuses located at least one in each state of the country. With the passing of two education laws on Higher Education in 1996, new provisions have been enacted giving opportunities for the universities to be corporatized. Since then, the management and leadership of the Universities have been focused on developing strategic policies of human capital development. With an increase in the budgets of the higher education system in recent years, new initiatives had been undertaken not only to upgrade qualifications of academic staff but also to enhance quality research and development opportunities and expand new programs especially in the internationalization of university student participation from overseas.