Australia-Malaysia education conference strengthens future ties

Nov 10, 2005

Globalisation and the changing local economy are impacting on the nature and direction of higher education, including public and private universities.

A 3-day forum at the University of Wollongong last week assessed just how big an impact is being felt in Australia and Malaysia and analysed the changing nature of university and the role of higher education in promoting national growth and regional identity.

The forum will result in the publication of a set of research resources suitable for use in teaching and a second meeting has been planned for 2006 in Malaysia to strengthen and sustain ongoing regional collaboration, linkages and dialogue.

The forum was funded by UOW's Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies (CAPSTRANS) and the International Centre for Excellence in Asia Pacific Studies at the Australian National University.

Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Andrew Wells and Associate Professor Peter Kell from the Faculty of Education joined a number of experts and academics from Malaysia who spoke about developing an awareness of higher education issues in Malaysia and Australia. Also in attendance were interested members of the university community from Australia, Malaysia, China, Thailand, New Zealand and Taiwan.

"The forum generated enthusiasm and energy for a network of researchers interested in working on issues in higher education," said forum convener, Professor Kell.

"Outcomes included a commitment by members of the forum to maintain a regional network with a view to meet again in 2006 to continue the bi-lateral dialogue. Part of this dialogue will be the production of an edited publication of the papers."

Professor Kell said themes covered in the conference included transnational markets in higher education in Malaysia, international student experiences in Malaysia and Australia, private higher education institutions and the practicalities of international bi-lateral research collaborations.

"One of the presentations explored the relationship and importance of higher education in the nation building in the Asia-Pacific region. The forum also enabled experts and novice postgraduate students to explore policy and practice issues in research, teaching and policy."

Malaysian guest speakers included the former Director of the National Institute of Higher Education Research at the Universiti Sains Malaysia, Professor Morshidi Sirat; Deputy Dean of the School of Humanities at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Professor Ambigapathy Pandian; Deputy Dean of Education and Social Development at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Dr Vincent Pang and Associate Professor Koo Yew Lie from the School of Language and Linguistics at the Universiti Kebangsaan Negara.

Academics from the Australian National University and the University of Western Sydney also delivered presentations.