Page 27 - AEI Insights 2019 - Vol. 5, Issue 1

Munusamy and Hashim, 2019

stated that “The focus at the time or probably until now in many institutions are around
recruitment of international students. So, internationalisation perceived at bringing in
international students only”. For that reason, building a conducive environment and promotion
activities by Education Malaysia Office (formerly known as Malaysian Student Department)
abroad play a major role in the recruitment of international students to Malaysia. Teaching in
English, publication of papers and journals and international recognition of courses and
programmes are also seen to be key measures in staying competitive in higher education.

The second theme highlighted by administrators was the force of globalisation. This has
influenced Malaysian higher education system to promote higher education globally and
encouraged the sending of Malaysian students to study abroad. Education Malaysia offices
supervised Malaysian students’ welfare and build networks with foreign higher education
institutions. A Senior Officer at the Department of Higher Education said that “historically
Malaysia has set up Malaysian Student Department (MSD) way back in the 50s. It shows that
how important internationalisation in education and specifically for higher education”. The
third theme perceived was the competencies of local staff and lecturers. It was observed that
local staff and lecturers experienced international exposure through various internationalisation
programmes. In addition, internationalisation also occurred due to the influence of the
internationally trained local staff.

Under the fourth theme administrators emphasised that TNHE has enhanced technology
transfer between Malaysia and collaborating countries. It has also encouraged research
collaboration, promoted programmes and courses in collaboration with international
universities abroad. TNHE has increased the presence of international staff and lecturers at
local higher education institutions. The major impact of TNHE is the establishment of foreign
branch campuses in Malaysia. The branch campuses promote Malaysia as an international hub
for higher education and increase the visibility of Malaysian higher education on the global
map. Furthermore, for the fifth theme, bilateral agreements between governments and between
local and foreign higher education institutions have enhanced the international networking
required to advance the internationalisation of the Malaysian higher education system.
Cooperation with foreign higher education institutions through international networking also
“encourages outreach and getting an international partnership for research output and
collaboration,” according to an administrator of a research university.

The last two themes highlighted were the internationalisation at home and mobility
programmes. More emphasis has been given to internationalisation at home to produce
graduates with a global outlook through holistic students’ development programmes.
Additionally, special attention has been given to curriculum internationalisation to achieve a
global standard of workforce globalisation. A respondent of a research university indicated that
“our syllabuses are more in line with providing students with international exposure”.
Internationalisation at home has encouraged the establishment of an international office at
higher education institutions to oversee students, staff and researcher mobility programmes.
Hence, a Senior Officer at the department under MOE said internationalisation also “involves
exporting Malaysian expertise for consultation, technology transfer, or even transfer of
mobility of cultures in between and vice-versa countries that we are collaborating”. The
perception of internationalisation of higher education in Malaysia notably touched on several
elements of the four rationale for internationalisation.

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