ACADEMICS GATHER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

CONFERENCE ....Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Development Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan striking the gong to launch the12th SEAAIR Annual Conference, witnessed by SEAAIR President Prof. Dr. Teay Shawyun (second left) and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation UMS Prof. Dr. Shahril Yusof (left)

By : ELAINE MAH

SABAH has become an international avenue for discussion and knowledge sharing as prominent national and international speakers gather to present papers, share ideas and explore issues revolving around the higher education sector at the 12th South-East Asian Association for Institutional Research (SEAAIR) Conference.

With the theme 'Culturalising Excellence in Higher Education', the three-day conference will see delegates presenting 52 papers on the strengths and capabilities of higher education institutions as well as exchanging views and experiences in institutional research.

According to the President of SEAAIR, Professor Teay Shawyun, SEAAIR conferences are always held in the four pillars of ASEAN, namely Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines.

This is the second time the conference is held in East Malaysia, with the previous time being in Swinburne University, Sarawak.

Guest of honour, Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Infrastructure Development Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan said in his speech that the conference was timely and appropriate.

"Knowledge is now no longer created within an institution, but transcends geographical and institutional boundaries. This process known as the 'consumerisation of digital services' involves talented and committed individuals in knowledge innovation.

"Thus, higher education institutions play a major role in nurturing and sustaining the excellence of its human capital," he said.

Pairin further notes that the government has shown proactive initiative to create an international brand for Malaysian higher education.

Citing an example, Pairin said that the Ministry of Higher Education has suggested that 75 percent of the academic staff in research universities and 60 percent in public universities should hold PhD degrees in order to ensure the consistent quality of teaching and learning in higher institutions.

According to Pairin, Malaysia has a programme to produce 60, 000 PhD holders by the year 2020 to propel the country's economic growth through research and innovations. (Insight Sabah)