QUALITY ASSURING TRANSNATIONAL EDUCATION: THE MALAYSIAN EXPERIENCE R M FERNANDEZ – CHUNG Malaysian Qualifications Agency SUB THEME 2 DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO QA AND THEIR IMPACT ON EFFICIENCY, EFFECTIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY

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

Purpose of the Study 1. reviews selected policies and practices; 2. to recommend changes to existing TNE policies 3 Roz.INQAAHE.2009

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. 4 Roz.INQAAHE.2009

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

6 Findings

Nomenclature Policy: DSK include ‘in collaboration with’ in the name of the programme. Findings: 1. Not fully implemented 2. No jurisdiction over foreign TNE partners Recommendation: 1. Review policy 2. Include information on transcript 7 Roz.INQAAHE.2009

Curriculum 8 Policy: DSK 0002 – use foreign curriculum subject to local needs Findings: 1. Implemented 2. Suitability of local contents Recommendation: 1. Maintain policy and review subject contents Roz.INQAAHE.2009

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

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

Delivery (3) Policy: MQF- Minimum graduating credits Findings: 1. Implemented 2. Some contradictions with other jurisdictions Recommendation: Maintain 11 Roz.INQAAHE.2009

Student intake Policy: DSK 0190 – foreign students into accredited programmes Findings: 1. Not implemented 2. Contradiction Recommendation: Review policy and align to the MoHE’s policy 12 Roz.INQAAHE.2009

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 13 Roz.INQAAHE.2009

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

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

16 Conclusion

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 17 Roz.INQAAHE.2009

18 Thank You