20/09/2025

SATURDAY | SEPT 20, 2025

4

Call for framework to balance varsity enrolment

Singapore not to blame for loss of medical professionals: Analyst

Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Geopolitical analyst Dr Oh Ei Sun said Malaysia should look inward rather than blame Singapore for the loss of its medical professionals. He was responding to former federal minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan’s proposal that Singapore reimburse Malaysia for training doctors and nurses who migrate there, adding that the idea was impractical and overlooked the real causes. “One (reason) is the lucrative compensation overseas. But the other is a systemic bias in the public sector, particularly in areas such as promotions, opportunities study or specialisation and postings, which many professionals cite as reasons for leaving or considering leaving. “This is the reality that drives many of our professionals abroad,” he told theSun . He said the outflow would likely continue unless Malaysia advances towards high-income status and addresses structural problems. “Right now, there is little political will. If (the matter is addressed), it could slow the exodus.” He also raised doubts about whether Rahman’s proposal could work in practice, adding that Asean rules and the risk of harming bilateral ties would make it difficult. “The solution lies in reforms at home, not punitive measures against others.” The Malaysian Medical Association also rejected the proposal, saying the real problem lies with conditions at home, not foreign recruitment. “Our doctors are leaving not because others are taking them, but because we are pushing them away,” said its president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo. He cited stalled careers, low allowances, toxic workplaces and unclear career pathways as the main reasons for the issue. While acknowledging reforms implemented by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, such as absorbing contract doctors and ending the 10-year contract system, he said immediate action is needed to enact promised measures. Thirunavukarasu said the increase in on-call allowance, approved in April under Budget 2024, should not be delayed until 2026. “Implementation must take place immediately to restore trust in the government among the doctors who are holding the system together.”

o Challenge lies in finding system that generates revenue without sidelining locals, says academic

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: As international enrolment grows in public universities, education experts say Malaysia must establish a clear and sustainable funding framework to strike a balance between safeguarding the placement of local students and tapping foreign fees as income. Universiti Putra Malaysia Putra Business School Assc Prof Dr Ida Md Yasin said a transparent system is needed to determine how much of university costs should be borne by taxpayers and how much by international students or their governments. “For bachelor’s degrees, public universities heavily subsidise local students, while foreign students pay higher fees. At the postgraduate level such as master’s and PhD, universities accept foreign students more freely, with fees significantly higher compared with locals. “So, the ideal balance between public funding and foreign student revenue depends on the level of study.” She added that the balance also varies between public and private institutions. She said public universities prioritise Malaysians for bachelor’s programmes, with limited places for foreigners, while private universities could admit as many international students as they deem fit. “Public institutions are subsidised by the government, which allows for lower tuition fees for locals, whereas private universities rely solely on student fees, so tuition cost is much higher. “The challenge is finding a sustainable system that generates revenue without reducing opportunities for local students.” She also said the country has adapted

Ida said foreign students not only benefit universities financially but also strengthen Malaysia’s profile as an international education destination. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

“Students appreciate that Malaysia is nearby, culturally welcoming and offers familiar comforts, such as Chinese cuisine. African students also feel respected and at home here, something they may not experience in other countries. “By attracting more international students in a structured way, universities could generate revenue while continuing to safeguard opportunities for locals.” She added that Malaysia should also capitalise on the potential of educational tourism in the coming decade. “There are many types of tourism, including health tourism and education tourism. If we could promote education tourism, it would be good for the country’s income and further strengthen Malaysia as a destination for international students.”

funding models from the UK, Singapore and Australia, with the Higher Education Ministry having tested various approaches. “We provide scholarships and other financial support not only to students from partner countries, but also to others with good academic results. “In short, (there are) a variety of funding options that could be further refined to strengthen our higher education system. “When foreign students come to study here, it not only benefits the universities financially but also strengthens Malaysia’s profile as a welcoming destination for international education.” Ida said Malaysia is positioned to seize opportunities from shifting global demand, particularly as more Chinese families look beyond the US for postgraduate options.

Prioritise foreign student intake at private universities, says group PETALING JAYA: The National Association of Private Educational Institutions said steering more foreign students towards private universities could hold the key to sustainable growth in Malaysia’s higher education sector. Its deputy president Dr Teh Choon Jin said private institutions operating on fee-driven models have the capacity to take in more international students without compromising places for Malaysians in subsidised public universities. Malaysians at the undergraduate level, while admitting more foreigners at the postgraduate and research stages, in which their contribution adds value in collaboration, innovation and global rankings. “Implementing a fair cap on foreign student enrolment in public universities would also reassure locals that opportunities remain protected. foreign intake grows. He added that immigration, police and government agencies, including Education Malaysia Global Services, the Higher Education Ministry and the Home Ministry, must work in sync to streamline regulations, ensure smooth visa approvals and prioritise student safety and welfare. “They could act as the main access providers for foreign students, allowing public universities to focus on postgraduate research and specialised disciplines.” internationalisation strategy, complementing public institutions with their scale, agility and industry linkages.

Teh said with greater flexibility, private universities could tailor programmes to market needs by offering industry-aligned curricula, micro-credentials, lifelong learning and executive education for regional markets such as Asean, South Asia and Africa. He added that private universities should strengthen pathway programmes by creating articulation agreements with research universities, enabling top-performing international students to progress into postgraduate research. “Beyond academics, private universities are economic multipliers and stimulate local housing, services and jobs, while raising national standards through healthy competition in quality and student experience.” – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

“Expanding work rights and post-study opportunities to more nationalities is also key. Currently, such opportunities are limited, placing Malaysia at a disadvantage compared with regional competitors. “Allowing international students to take on part-time jobs without layers of red tape would make Malaysia far more attractive.” Teh also raised concerns over financial clarity, particularly regarding the application of the Sales and Service Tax to scholarships and international student fees. “Clear and fair rules would prevent students and universities from being caught off guard or unfairly burdened.” He urged the government to place private universities at the centre of Malaysia’s

“Private universities, which currently host about 60% of foreign students, are better positioned to absorb additional international enrolment. Their business models rely on tuition fees and they have the capacity to expand without displacing local students.” He also said by dividing roles clearly, with public universities leading postgraduate internationalisation and private universities driving undergraduate enrolment, Malaysia could build a balanced and sustainable higher education system. “Malaysians benefit, private institutions grow and the country strengthens its global standing.” Teh said policy reforms are essential to keep private universities competitive as

“This approach safeguards fairness for locals and strengthens the private higher education sector. “When private universities grow, the ripple effects boost demand for housing, food, transport and local services. Stronger finances also allow these institutions to reinvest in teaching quality, facilities and student support.” He said Malaysia’s ambition to host 250,000 foreign students by 2030 is attainable, provided enrolment is managed wisely to benefit both public and private institutions. He added that public universities, funded by taxpayers, should continue to prioritise