Quality Assuring Transnational Education: The Malaysian Experience

1. SUB THEME 2DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO QA AND THEIR IMPACT ON EFFICIENCY, EFFECTIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY Quality Assuring Transnational Education: The Malaysian Experience R M FERNANDEZ – CHUNG Malaysian Qualifications Agency

2. Background to the Study 1 2 3 3+0/4+0 • History of Transnational Education (TNE) • External Collaborations • Types of TNE arrangements in Malaysia: 4 5 • Twinning (2+1/1+2) • Distance/virtual learning 6 7 • Boutique University • Joint awards Roz.INQAAHE.2009

3. Purpose of the Study • reviews selected policies and practices; • to recommend changes to existing TNE policies Roz.INQAAHE.2009

4. Limitations of the Study • Includes twinning and 3+0 ONLY • Excludes specific policies, e.g. HND policies • Excludes discussion on other forms of TNE arrangements unless deem relevant. Roz.INQAAHE.2009

5. Methodology 1. Documentary search • MoHE, LAN and MQA • July – September 2008 2. Case studies • Interviews eight officers from the LAN/MQA, MoHE, PHEIs and a country TNE manager. • September 2008 and March 2008 Roz.INQAAHE.2009

6. Findings

7. Nomenclature Policy: DSK 0276 - include ‘in collaboration with’ in the name of the programme. Findings: • Not fully implemented • No jurisdiction over foreign TNE partners Recommendation: • Review policy • Include information on transcript Roz.INQAAHE.2009

8. Curriculum Policy: DSK 0002 – use foreign curriculum subject to local needs Findings: • Implemented • Suitability of local contents Recommendation: • Maintain policy and review subject contents Roz.INQAAHE.2009

9. Delivery (1) Policy: DSK 0220 - conducted at local branch upon consent Findings: Implemented Recommendation: Maintain policy Roz.INQAAHE.2009

10. Delivery (2) Policy: DSK 0621 – collaboration – 3 foreign partners, 15 programmes Findings: Partially implemented Recommendation: • Review policy • 1 partner, many programmes Roz.INQAAHE.2009

11. Delivery (3) Policy: MQF- Minimum graduating credits Findings: • Implemented • Some contradictions with other jurisdictions Recommendation: Maintain Roz.INQAAHE.2009

12. Student intake Policy: DSK 0190 – foreign students into accredited programmes Findings: • Not implemented • Contradiction Recommendation: Review policy and align to the MoHE’s policy Roz.INQAAHE.2009

13. General Findings (1) • There are both specific and general policies • evolved from highly restrictive to liberal • Malaysia accept maturity of foreign QA body, quality assurance processes and benchmarks Roz.INQAAHE.2009

14. General Findings (2) Malaysia’s success attributed to: • facilitative policies • policy implementers who can effectively assimilate international QA practices Roz.INQAAHE.2009

15. General Findings (3) Concerns: • lack of collaboration & consultation • Need greater transparency • Built capacity to support evidence based policy creation Roz.INQAAHE.2009

16. Conclusion

17. Quality assurance agencies, like the MQA can no longer afford to develop, implement and review policies in isolation if we want to cater for the expanding needs and thirst, locally, regionally and globally, for TNE education Roz.INQAAHE.2009

18. Thank You rozilini@mqa.gov.my