JULY 30 — News reports continue to emphasise the successes and shortcomings about the principles, practices, professionals and products of the Malaysian education system. In the media spotlight predominantly, is the quality of Malaysian graduates.
In terms of higher education, Malaysians are spoilt for choice. For what used to be a handful of public institutions of higher education have now developed immensely into a multitude of universities, university colleges, colleges and institutions.
There is also the choice of studying overseas. And for those who aren't as fortunate, an “overseas” education can be obtained through distance learning of a foreign programme hosted by a local establishment. Or one could enrol in the different foreign universities based in Malaysia.
Judging by today's standards, obtaining a tertiary education isn't considered “cheap”. Yet, it appears that the number of individuals equipping themselves with a B.Sc., B.A, LL.B, M.D or ACCA grow rapidly. Higher education is after all, marketed as a supposed ticket to a better future. And of course, there are others taking a step further by obtaining an MBA, MA, M.Sc., DBA or PhD.
As institutions of higher education incessantly churn out scores of purportedly industry ready graduates, Malaysia could pride itself as having one of the highest numbers of high achievers, professionals and most qualified workforce in the world.
Minus those who have migrated, the remaining human capital should remain exceptionally adequate as the drive towards achieving fully industrialised nation looms just over the horizon.
At this juncture, the question that begs to be asked would be, “Do these quantities of graduates translate into quality?”
Although the Malaysian education system continues garnering itself with self-praise, it is often drowned out by the audible whispers of scepticisms concerning the quality of graduates in Malaysia today.
As an academic, I myself am often confronted with the unsolicited question of, “What's wrong with today's graduates?”
While I do not hold the one key to resolve this predicament, I do know that too much time and effort has been wasted into formulating education policies, reformulating these policies and sooner or later such policies would be formulated back into its original schema.
The blaming and shifting of faults from one end to the other in the long run becomes an utter and complete waste of time and those on the losing end are often the students.
As such, it would be best that the initiative to improve oneself be personally initiated. After all, the university is where individuals become independent as the apron strings are finally cut. And it is also timely that the many misconceptions, mistaken beliefs and misconstructions about university life be rectified.
Do know that the university is not just a place to just study but is a venue to challenge oneself academically in the search for knowledge and experiences. It is where one is educated by experiencing life, altering ideas and challenging theories and not just memorise and cram textbooks. Neither is university about collecting the mandatory number of points to secure living quarters for the subsequent semester.
Do know that brilliant STPM, Matriculations or SPM grades don't essentially mean an unproblematic university life. Such hubris should be replaced with modesty and an eagerness to gain knowledge. The mind-set that one is entitled to being rewarded with only “A” grades is a complete fallacy. Rather, knowing a great deal of general knowledge and having sense that is common are much more valued.
Do know that the university isn't a school and lecturers aren't teachers. Hence, do not expect to be spoon-fed and given all answers. Don’t blame lecturers for not dispensing extra skills that need to be learnt and portfolios that should be built. These need to be put together through one's own initiatives. University is where one learns to accept criticisms and rejection, as such experiences prepares one for the working world.
Do know that the university allows for mistakes to be made and ultimately rectified. This concept is nonetheless difficult to swallow, as students are fanatically obsessed with gaining only good grades without truly understanding what is being learned. Many race for the best CGPA, Honours or “Classes” and eventually miss out on what truly mattered: the academic and intellectual journey.
Do know that the ability to think in a critical manner is absolutely critical, as many graduates remain incapable of being vocal in challenging ideas or asking questions. Eventually, many do not possess the right attitude, aptitude and analytical skills, nor dare speak up against injustice or misconduct. They are just too afraid of looking silly or to offend.
Do know that graduating at the top of the class doesn’t by design guarantee a high salaried job. More essential are having a strong sense of IQ and EQ and competently taking initiatives without needing to be told what to do next. Most graduates continue having the “tidak apa” attitude, remain incapable of teamwork, drafting proper emails or thinking creatively. Neither do many possess proper soft skills, communication skills or are capable of being pushed beyond the limits.
Do know that the university is the place to learn how to be not fearful. Everyone working in the university is merely human. There are no demi-gods to be worshipped. So learn how to be confident. Nevertheless, treat everyone with proper respect.
Do know that the university is the place to learn to speak up. Challenge yourself academically. Challenge your professors intellectually. When asked questions stop looking at the floor, pretending to check through notes or relying on friends for answers. Learn how to think for yourself.
Do know that learning, mastering and speaking proper English is vital. It is embarrassing that many overseas trained professionals cannot even string a proper sentence in English. English still remains the lingua franca that provides one with the self-confidence to unlocking many doors and opportunities.
Do know that books and journal articles are the principal sources of information. Don't give up should Google not offer an answer. It doesn't mean that one doesn't exist. Most of the time, the answer is pieced together through information collected by researching through books and journals.
Do know that university life is not exactly as depicted in Hollywood. While there will be the occasional parties and get-togethers, Hollywood often overlooks the importance of attending lectures, tutorials and carrying out research. What Hollywood provides is an overhyped and glossy representation of the university which doesn’t necessarily exist.
Do know that learning doesn't end when accepting the graduation academic scroll. Learning is a lifelong journey of various challenges, obstacles and roadblocks en route to success. How one chooses to conquer such hindrances are of course, based upon how appropriately one has been educated throughout the university years.
Ask yourself, what sort of qualities do employers seek for? Am I the sort of graduate that employers seek to employ? Am I capable of contributing towards the positive development of this country?
In the end, obtaining a university qualification isn't exactly a piece of cake as this life changing experience consists of successes and failures, of good and bad times. Life in the university isn’t just about getting that piece of scroll to acquire a supposedly high paying job.
A university should not be journeyed through passively, submissively and apathetically but with passion. The road to success after all, to quote Winston Churchill, “...consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”
*This is the personal opinion of the organisation and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
