RM1.2 Billion For Lecturers To Pursue PhD Studies

The government is allocating RM1.2 billion under the Ninth Malaysia Plan for lecturers in public institutions of higher learning (IPTAs) to pursue doctorate (PhD) studies locally and abroad. The allocation was for 6,700 doctorate scholarships of which 35 per cent was to be done locally, five per cent abroad and the rest under split programmes. The doctorate disciplines identified were engineering, pure science, applied science, medicine and social sciences while the overseas universities that would be involved were in the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Ireland and Australia. Under the split programme, the lecturers would do two years of research locally and another year abroad.

The government targeted 60 per cent of IPTA lecturers to be PhD holders by 2010. At present only 30 per cent out of the 19,615 lecturers in IPTAs had doctorates. Also at present there were 857 foreign lecturers teaching critical courses such as medicine, pharmacy and engineering in IPTAs. Lecturer exchange programmes with foreign universities were also being conducted to address the shortage of highly qualified lecturers.

It is really very nice to know that the government appreciates the need to constantly upgrade not only facilities but also the competence and quality of the academic staff at our universities. the 1.2 billion ringgit allocation is testimony of the importance it attaches to the future well being of the faculties involved as well as the reputation of the universities too.

When such a huge amount is disbursed it is incumbent upon the authorities to ensure that they get value for their money. This can be done in one and only one way - maintain quality in the selection of candidates for the awards and scholarships. At this level there is no cause to dither or ponder about 'differing' criteria for selection.

If the government is truly interested in raising academic standards then only the very best, irrespective of ethnic origin, creed, colour or family background should be included in the list for receiving these scholarships. If this criteria is strictly adhered to, then there is a very good chance of visible and tangible improvement in the delivery of first-rate education at tertiary level in Malaysia.