JUNE 11 ― The headlines that read more positively about the quality of local universities should certainly put a temporary halt to the war of words between certain individuals sparked by this very subject matter. Surely, news about local universities managing to climb within the top 50 ranked universities in Asia must be a proud and defining moment for the nation.
Malaysian universities have certainly been making the headlines over the past few months. Yesterday, news about the positioning of local universities within the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) rankings had once again placed the limelight upon Malaysian universities. This time, it is a move in the opposite direction. And one that is not further away from the number one spot.
This time, news about local universities isn’t criticisms or questions regarding the quality of our universities. Neither is it about how some university gates were literally shut to certain individuals.
Our universities can now be mentioned within the same breath as universities from Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong albeit the latter three dominating the top three spots in the rankings. Surely, this rise in regional academic rankings must allow us to stand within the light at the end of the tunnel that has been often viewed only from afar.
Being ranked amongst the best in Asia is definitely a proud moment for our country and surely no one can tell us to, “janganlah bersifat ayam bertelur sebiji, riuh sekampung”. I believe its English equivalent to be, “do not be making a mountain out of a molehill”.
This is certainly a joyous occasion knowing that our universities are now ranked amongst the best in Asia. Note, it is Asia and not Southeast Asia.
Being placed amongst the best in Asia is certainly something to shout about as our universities are no longer recognised as the best only within the boundaries of our country. We are now placed amongst the 50 best universities within the region.
After all, it was once stated that Malaysian universities have the prospects of being on par with universities from the OxBridge league and surely being placed within the top 50 of Asian universities must be the first of many steps towards that direction. Never mind the credibility of the QS rankings. We are in the Top 50 in Asia.
It is said that the catalyst behind this rise in rankings is the increase in a more definite quantity of research publications churned out by many who have worked tirelessly and unceasingly behind the scenes. Certainly, these efforts made by academics, students, research assistants and everyone who has contributed towards this rise in rankings must surely be recognised and commended.
I then felt brokenhearted upon reading the many comments left by readers within media portals regarding this positive news. Most strangely, I didn't come across many comments praising and congratulating this rise in university rankings within Asia. As a matter of fact, most of the comments left were criticising and questioning the true quality of higher education in Malaysia.
This certainly left me thinking, what more do Malaysians want? Isn't it already good enough that being amongst the best in Asia is an indication that we have finally arrived? Why is there this continued skepticism and incertitude that the rise in rankings, in Asia, is the best ways to gauge the performance of our universities?
Surely, the response and feedback provided by our very own rakyat should be the best point for measuring and interpreting the quality of our universities.
Perhaps this sense of disbelief came about as it was mentioned not too long ago that global rankings aren't entirely reflective of the performance of local universities. Emphasis is to be placed upon the entire learning process rather than on the rankings alone. But never mind global rankings, we are talking regional here at the moment.
This statement was then echoed by claims that such rankings are, to paraphrase, “rigged” by the Western world that are adept at playing “magic tricks” aimed at entrapping the Malaysian education system into the world of “education market politics” whereby payment for publications in high ranking journals is required.
Truly I was taken aback as to why so much effort has been dedicated to discussions, criticisms and blaming one another as efforts in making Malaysia an education hub of world standards continue. Surely, some of these efforts must be paying off as Malaysia is now placed amongst the best in Asia.
But then again, being placed within the top 50 in Asia should certainly prove some of these criticisms wrong. In fact, the Scimago Journal and Country Rank indicate that Malaysia has published more journals than Singapore did in 2013.
So there, we have actually managed to do one better than those universities placed in that little red dot down the south. Hence, there is really no need for further criticisms now that we are already placed amongst the top 50 in Asia.
So never mind the fact that the meritocracy system has yet to be implemented, we are now placed amongst the top 50 in Asia.
Never mind the fact that academic freedom continues to be stifled, we are now placed amongst the top 50 in Asia.
Never mind the fact that many of our graduates continue being incapable of mastering the English language and that many remain jobless, we are now placed amongst the top 50 in Asia.
Never mind the fact that the capability for critical thinking and general knowledge amongst the undergraduates continue to be declining, we are now placed amongst the top 50 in Asia.
Never mind the fact that ethnic and religious segregation continue to divide our undergraduates, we are now placed amongst the top 50 in Asia.
Never mind the fact that our education system does not fully prepare our students for life in and after university, we are now placed amongst the top 50 in Asia.
Never mind the fact that our public universities are more inclined towards producing graduates for the job market rather than good thinking graduates capable of bringing about changes to society, we are now placed amongst the top 50 in Asia.
Never mind the fact that the quality of the articles published and relevance of research conducted continues to be questioned, we are now placed amongst the top 50 in Asia.
Never mind the fact that many academics are now pressured to fulfill a quota of publications rather than to be allowed to passionately pursue for knowledge and ideas, we are now placed amongst the top 50 in Asia.
Never mind the fact that accusations of plagiarism and academic misconduct by students and academics continue to be widely reported, we are now placed amongst the top 50 in Asia.
Never mind the fact that many academics are feeling frustrated about the wanting standards regarding the academic culture and remunerations, we are now placed amongst the top 50 in Asia.
Never mind the fact that our universities continue to experience the loss of quality academics due to brain drain, frustration, and marginalisation, we are now placed amongst the top 50 in Asia.
Never mind the fact that our universities are being increasingly bureaucratic and administered like a corporation, we are now placed amongst the top 50 in Asia.
So why fix something that is not broken and has thus proven to be effective? Certainly, being placed amongst the top 50 universities in Asia would unquestionably indicate that our universities are currently fulfilling and achieving the “real” purpose of education which is the pursuit of knowledge, truth and justice whilst constantly challenging conventional wisdom.
Until the next academic rankings are released, we can certainly start resting on our laurels as our hard work has handsomely paid off. We are now ready to take on the world. So look out Ivy League and Oxbridge as we are certainly catching up with you.
Oh but wait, the Times Higher Education's (THE) 2015 ranking of Asian universities, a ranking system that is of greater standing and credibility has been just released.
Surely, it wouldn't take too long to find a Malaysian university placed amongst the top 50 spots. Well, surely, one must be placed at least within the top 100. Well, anyway, we are nonetheless still ranked amongst the top 50 Asian universities within the QS rankings.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
