Page 159 - VC Message

Home of the Bright. Land of the Brave

Di Sini Bermulanya Pintar, Tanah Tumpahnya Berani

This global drive has advanced NUS’s programme quotas, twinning done right does not subtract from local
research output and reputation, but does arrangements, or graduate-level education, it adds value to it. The key
not come at the expense of its local recruitment, among others, rather than phrase is “done right”, with mindful
national needs. Singapore ensures locals occupying the seats usually reserved for policies so that inclusion does not turn
remain a majority at undergraduate level, locals. into intrusion.
capping the proportion at 17 per cent.
We in UM do the same. A globally diverse campus progressively
In other words, NUS achieved global The underlying principle is the same: creates globally savvy graduates, an asset
eminence, all while keeping roughly four in the presence of international students is for any nation in the 21st century.
five undergrads Singaporean.
strategically structured so as not to impact
Universitas Indonesia (UI), Indonesia’s or reduce local undergraduate intake. Putting Malaysians first, while being
premier university, also admits international Done right, this yields a vital balanced globally present
students, who make up about 18 per and mutually synergised outcome; a
cent of its enrolment, including many campus enriched by global talent and Eventually, Malaysian universities are
postgraduates, and offering international expertise, and a student body that cognisant that nation-building remains
programmes in English and has dual- reflects and serves the home country in their core mission. The controversy over
degree tie-ups, and like Malaysia, it advancing local talents and empowering top scorers missing out on local university
keeps the primary bachelor programmes local opportunities and enhancing social spots is being well noted, and the way
mainly for locals. The vast majority of its mobility and knowledge advancement forward has always been to continuously
40,000 students are Indonesians, fulfilling with nation building and recognition of progress and improve. Admissions and
its national mission and obligation to its home talents being the priority. processes have always been merit-based
people first. and transparent, as reiterated by the
Higher Education Ministry.
As Thailand’s top university, Chulalongkorn
University has an overwhelmingly Why a global campus matters and its In the 2025 cycle, out of 109,000 applicants,
local student body. The vast majority benefits to locals about 78,800 (72 per cent) secured
of its 36,000 students are Thai, and One might ask why Malaysian universities placement in public universities through
Chulalongkorn has tried to diversify are bringing in international students or UPU. In fact, all 1,255 STPM holders
by establishing more international faculty especially if local demand is high. who achieved perfect 4.0 CGPAs were
programmes and exchange partnerships, Local talents have always been prioritised, guaranteed a university spot (although not
but the baseline is that Thai students enjoy especially at the undergraduate level, all got their first choice). While this shows
almost all the undergraduate seats. but this is not a zero-sum game. The a genuine effort to accommodate as many
University of California, Los Angeles presence of foreign talents and expertise local students as possible, it is understood 151
that not all will get the preferred courses
(UCLA), one of the top public universities is structured strategically to exist in of their choice. Every qualified student
in the world, is also practising a balanced parallel, to serve as the boosting factor should have a pathway – if not at UM,
system. for the nation to be the global hub of then perhaps at another excellent public
research and academic excellence, and
Its international students are only 7–8 to complement efforts to advance local university in Malaysia. This should be the
per cent of total undergrads, where this talents and expertise. national recognition for all of our home-
policy came after concerns that too many grown talents.
spots were going to higher-paying foreign A degree today is more than just The point is, all top students in Malaysia
students. conventional classroom learning, it is
an inevitable process and preparation must be recognised and awarded, and
By capping their numbers, UCLA assures for a globalised world. The presence of the public university system will continue
that at least 82 per cent of freshman seats international students and community is to ensure that all of our local talents
go to local students, keeping faith with the not confined to a structured rankings and are rightfully and duly recognised and
public. supported, for they are the future of our
recognition gameplay alone, it a vibrant
Even with this cap in place, UCLA ecosystem of shared learning, where nation.
maintains its global prestige and still ideas and perspectives intersect. UM will never waver in our unyielding
attracts top international scholars in Knowledge creation gains depth when spirit of being the nation’s flagbearer in
graduate and research roles. championing and leading the nation and
students from different countries
This example portrays a formal way to contribute diverse viewpoints and create the people.
set ratios: guarantee the majority share of new debates and knowledge advancement Despite the parallel importance of
opportunities to locals, while still leaving with distinct enrichment. internationalisation needs due to natural
room to enrich the campus with diverse Research thrives when top minds from reasons, the immediate and core priority
international talents with a defined limit. has always been on developing our very
different parts of the world collaborate,
All these models reflect the similar and having international faculty as NUS own human capital.
strategic approach to ensure local does, with over 60 per cent from abroad, UM is driven to fulfil this national mandate,
talents are prioritised, developed and blends new expertise and networks. despite limitations in our own capacities
appreciated. All these top universities Tangible benefits for local students are and resources. We understand the
have modest international undergrad also felt, where domestic students who unyielding spirit and ardour of our highly
numbers, usually well below 25 per cent, interact with international peers develop capable and successful young talents who
to ensure local students are not pushed better cross-cultural communication skills have been toiling with persistent grit to
out or at a disadvantage. and wider perspectives. fulfil their dreams to be part of our family
Most importantly, where international By inviting global talents selectively and and legacy of the nation’s top university,
and despite the hindrances and finite
students are brought in, it is often strategically, it can actually enhance
through separate pathways independent that development. Internationalisation capacities, we in UM will continue to stay
true to our conviction and duty to support
of local quotas, via distinct international