Rightways

Sunday, September 7, 2025

‘Malaysian edu can do better’

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Positioning Malaysia as a hub of excellence in both innovation-driven and non-science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields is crucial to maintaining Kuala Lumpur’s edge as a global student city, industry players say.

While placing 12th in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Best Student Cities Rankings – the country’s best showing since participating in 2016 – is cause for celebration, Malaysia has the potential to do even better.

Looking ahead, Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities (Mapcu) president Datuk Parmjit Singh said institutions should shift away from generic qualifications towards growth verticals such as artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, data science, analytics, cybersecurity and integrated circuit design.

Parmjit

National Association of Private Educational Institutions (Napei) president Datuk Lau Wai Cheng, meanwhile, emphasised that while STEM is critical, non-STEM areas should not be overlooked.

“We have seen institutions establish advisory boards with industry leaders, embed internships and work placements into degree programmes, and even co-develop courses with employers, especially in areas like design, communications and hospitality.

“These partnerships go beyond appearances; they deliver real-world skills, meaningful job placements, and industry-ready graduates.

“That said, there is still room to strengthen the alignment between non-STEM programmes and the demands of fast-evolving job markets, especially in emerging areas like content creation, digital marketing, social innovation and careers related to environmental, social and governance initiatives,” she said, adding that to remain competitive, institutions must ensure their programmes stay relevant by embedding practical experiences like internships while equipping students with both technical and soft skills.

Lau also stressed that continuous engagement with industry at local, regional and international levels is vital to keeping curricula aligned with market demands and producing graduates who remain in high demand.

Malaysia, said Parmjit, already has what it takes to get ahead: English-medium instruction, internationally benchmarked programmes, competitive tuition fees and living costs, and continuous investment in modern campuses and resources to attract even more global learners.

But these strengths must now be strongly showcased in the global student recruitment arena, he asserted.

“Education Malaysia Global Services can champion Malaysia’s private universities abroad.

“The agency is best placed to highlight institutions that have invested heavily in providing attractive learning and living environments, alongside high-quality education and excellent student experiences,” he said.

Road to 2030

Parmjit noted that the key to staying competitive lies in internationalisation, mobility and innovation.

“Malaysian private institutions should intensify international mobility and recognition, as well as forge more transnational education (TNE) partnerships with reputed universities,” he said, adding that such efforts would broaden the range of unique programmes on offer and attract more international students.

He also called for greater flexibility around student work rights.

“It would be a big boost if post-study work schemes or visa flexibility were expanded to retain talented graduates. This will greatly enhance students’ interest in coming to Malaysia to study.

“This would help students defray their living expenses, and the extra income earned would in turn be spent here in Malaysia, especially as students tend to travel beyond KL during their holidays and experience the best of what Malaysian tourism has to offer,” he added.

For Parmjit, the latest QS rankings validate years of investment by private institutions in creating globally relevant offerings.

“The private sector is well poised and always prepared to capitalise on this recognition.

“Many member institutions already have high international student proportions and employ robust admission channels,” he said.

Lau Lau

Lau, however, stressed that while the QS recognition is important, rankings alone do not change global perceptions.

“We need to amplify this narrative through consistent communication, student testimonials and clear evidence of graduate success,” she said, while stressing the need to ensure momentum extends beyond KL.

“We should develop other cities – such as Penang, Johor Baru and Kuching – into student-friendly education hubs.

“This involves enhancing infrastructure, industry linkages, and student services,” she said, adding that with the right support and collaboration, KL’s success can be replicated and more Malaysian cities can be positioned as attractive destinations for international students.

She also said achieving the government’s 2030 goal of making Malaysia a regional and global education hub will depend on expanding the nation’s appeal and diversifying what it offers.

“With targeted investment and collaborative effort, Malaysia can not only sustain KL’s standing but also elevate other cities as attractive destinations for global learners,” she said.

Mapcu, said Parmjit, continuously plays a proactive role in policy advocacy, sector coordination and international branding.

“We work with the Higher Education Ministry and regulators on policies related to recruitment, quality assurance and graduate work rights; we help institutions benchmark and collaborate; and we amplify Malaysia’s position abroad through participation in global education fairs.

“Mapcu is fully committed to working hand in hand with government and institutions to ensure that KL – and by extension, Malaysia – capitalises on its inherent strengths and potential to achieve its goal of being a leading regional and global education hub by 2030,” he said.

In love with ‘second home’

INTERNATIONAL students from UCSI University share what it’s like to study in KL, which they fondly call their “second home”.

Jennifer

I started my tertiary studies a year ago. When I arrived in KL, my first impression was that the country had nice food and a vibrant culture. But as I immersed myself more in the city, I fell in love with how developed its infrastructure was. As a student, this is the kind of place I was looking for. It is really convenient for me to get to university or head to the city centre to hang out during the weekends because the public transport is efficient and everything is affordable. I’m currently pursuing a mass communication degree, and there are many opportunities here. I love that many companies don’t shy away from hiring international students — it’s a great chance for me to broaden my horizons. My experience studying here has also given me valuable exposure that supports my future. KL has huge potential to rise in the QS rankings, with how integrated and safe the city is for students to explore on their own. It is one of the best places to discover who you are, to learn, and to build your career. -- Jennifer Janis, 23, Indonesia

Suyeon Suyeon

It has been 15 years since I first came to Malaysia. What began as a decision made by my parents, who saw the country’s potential for growth, turned into a long-term journey of learning, adapting and growing. Moving to a different country at a young age had its challenges. But over time, I came to truly appreciate what makes Malaysia such a unique and welcoming place to live and study in. Malaysia’s multilingual environment is another strength I deeply value. English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin are commonly spoken. As a student, this allows me to naturally broaden my linguistic skills and cultural understanding. It’s an experience that has prepared me well for global communication and cross-cultural collaboration — skills that are increasingly important in today’s world. Varsity life has also played a meaningful role in my growth — the student community is so open and engaging. As I prepare to graduate and step into the next chapter of my life, I’m grateful for the years I’ve spent in Malaysia. The lessons I’ve learnt, the people I’ve met, and the perspectives I’ve gained will stay with me — both as a person and as a qualified professional.-- Suyeon Huh,

Room for improvement

The Star https://www.thestar.com.my › education › 2025/09/07

12 hours ago — Asian cities rise in standings. The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Best Student Cities Rankings 2026, which feature 150 cities and districts, also ...

Room for improvement

Saturday, September 6, 2025

Winning from the vernacular schools

Two budding young scientists hold great promise for malaysia. they were among five winners, but what makes them special is that they are proof the vernacular school system works, too.

DORAIRAJ NADASON newsdesk @thestar.com.my

IT’S an age-old argument in this country. Are our vernacular schools good? Or is the national school system still the best?

Vernacular schools do have plenty of critics, with many claiming they add to racial polarisation. These people want them closed, saying a single school system should be introduced.

Despite that, vernacular schools are getting more popular with Chinese schools especially attracting more students, primarily – and ironically – Malay pupils.

It is indeed an old issue. It goes back some 200 years when the vernacular school system first began.

The first recorded Tamil school was within Penang Free School in 1816. The first Chinese school started three years later – also in Penang – in 1819. Two centuries later, they remain relevant.

We could see that last Friday when five people – all outstanding in academics – were awarded the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment. Two of them were from vernacular schools.

G. Keisheni, from Penang, is a budding scientist – almost literally; she is working with flower buds.

The 30-year-old, probably the first Malaysian Indian woman to get the award, has found a new use for the bright blue butterfly pea, a flower often used to make tea.

But she uses them on microneedles, which are already a thing in the medical field, especially in beauty treatment. They allow medicine to be injected into the body via patches.

It’s painless and effective – no sharp needles, and no syringes or tubes.

The butterfly pea is often drunk as a tea, and is believed to help improve skin and hair health, and may even support cardiac wellness or help with blood sugar regulation.

Keisheni, however, found that if microneedles are tipped with butterfly pea, they can sense and signal any problem in the transdermal area and quickly alert health personnel.

Her findings allow for easy administration of medicine with any adverse reactions or allergies almost immediately detected so quick follow-up treatment can be done.

Not bad at all for someone who had her early education in SJKT Ramakrishna, a Tamil school housed in the compounds of the Ramakrishna Ashrama, the oldest Indian orphanage in Malaysia. It was started way back in 1938.

Keisheni had her secondary education in St George’s Girls School nearby and did her degree in biological sciences in Universiti Malaysia Pahang, before her master’s and PHD in the same university.

Her master’s thesis was on edible films, using food waste to replace plastic. She actually found ways in which you can eat the wrapping around your apple!

Keisheni says it was a bit tough coming from a Tamil school because many around her saw her beginnings as inferior, but she was not one to give up.

Her biggest difficulty was “a limitation of opportunities”, but she still showed that she was made of sterner stuff.

Being the first Indian woman to have been in line for the award was also tough. “There was no role model, no one to look to for guidance and assistance,” she says.

But she did get help from her lecturers, Assoc Profs Dr Wan Rafizah Wan Abdullah and Dr Vigneswari Sevakumaran. If Keisheni is impressive, Calvin Shee Yin Ming is almost jaw-dropping. This lad is just 23 and will turn 24 on Tuesday, and he has not even had his convocation yet, but already he has won the award as a graduate in microbiology and molecular genetics.

He also founded and leads an NGO, and has projects with a major pharmacy in the country.

He says he was “a naughty kid” who didn’t quite concentrate on his studies while at SJKC Cheng Sui (1) and SMK Datuk Bentara Luar in Batu Pahat, Johor. However, the epiphany came when he was studying for his STPM.

“I studied for 13 hours a day, and I was interested in physics and quantum physics.”

How does one study 13 hours in a 24-hour day?

“I was very disciplined,” he says. “The competitive Chinese school experience shaped my habits – things like sticking to routines, being meticulous in study, making sense of theories and pressure resistance.”

However, he says the Chinese school education was not a big factor in his later studies. Like Keisheni, his research also centres on a wild-growing plant – the carnivorous pitcher plant, which can literally eat insects that have exoskeletons made of chitin.

Those insects carry some bad bacteria, but these plants have their own bacteria that help in dissolving chitin. He hopes to study how the plants overcome the bad bacteria and come up with an antibiotic to heal certain ailments.

But he has another scary story to tell. Bacteria can become resistant to any antibiotics in 10 generations. Sounds like a long time, right? Wrong.

A bacterial generation is something like 20 human minutes. So, in just 200 minutes, or three and a half hours, an antibiotic becomes useless. So, what do we do?

Enter Calvin’s NGO. It’s called United for Global Antimicrobial Stewardship.

The idea is to create awareness of the short-term usefulness of antibiotics, or antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and ensure people do not misuse them.

It advocates the regulation of antibiotics use as well while also ensuring that expired medicine does not get into our waste and water streams. To that end, they are working with a local pharmaceutical firm to encourage patients to return their unused medicines.

And they have some “crafty” methods, like “pills art” and batik painting competitions with pills and capsules as motifs.

It helps. People learn what not to do with their pills, and our healthcare system has a chance of staying healthy.

Calvin will be off to Paris later this year to join the French National Centre for Scientific Research in Versailles, where he could work with Denis Faure, a renowned expert in plant physiology.

Keisheni will be off to Ireland to study the use of plants like the butterfly pea in microneedles for better treatment of wounds and injection of medicines.

For both of them, though, the seeds of their growth came from vernacular schools. With minds like these as ambassadors, it looks like those schools are here to stay.

Exploring rocket town Hainan, China's gateway to space

The writer at the lobby of Hilton Wenchang where models of Chinese rockets were set up for sale. — Photos: FLORENCE TEH

A call from a Beijing-based Chinese journalist friend came suggesting I should make a quick trip to Hainan, China’s southernmost island province, to watch a rocket launch.

“Hainan is just a few hours away from Kuala Lumpur, so here’s your chance to see a real rocket blast. You don’t have to travel all the way to the United States or Russia to see this,’’ he said.

The only problem was that he could not give me the exact date of the lift off as he couldn’t find the details. He apologised and said that the Chinese authorities were often secretive of such information and that the best way to find out was to call up the hotels by the beach, facing the Wenchang space launch site.

When I approached my local travel agent, she was of no help as she had no idea there were rocket ascents in Hainan, but she did promise to call her Hainan counterpart.

A few days later, the agent called back to say that most of the launch crew had made bookings for a week at the Hilton Wenchang.

“It is most likely that during that one week, the rocket would be launched. You just have to take your chances,’’ the agent said.

Now, there was no way I could book a room there for a week, as the rates had gone up by quite a bit during that period, so an urgent call was made to Beijing again.

More calls and WeChat messages were exchanged and soon, it was narrowed down to three possible dates, with the launch time likely to be at 8.30pm.

That seemed reasonable as I would be able to explore Hainan – dubbed the “Hawaii of China” as it is well-known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and luxury resorts – during the day and be back at the hotel in the evenings.

Hainan has long been a destination for vacationers seeking sun, sea, and serenity with its white sand coastlines and subtropical forests.

But unknown to the world, except in China, Hainan is actually fast gaining a reputation as a world-class spaceport, with space tourism as one of its main products.

My wife and I arrived in Hainan via AirAsia, which flies direct from KLIA Terminal 2, hoping to see the countdowns and launch pads.

“You must get a balcony room with a beach view, and just watch the awesome sights and sounds from the room. It will be the best view. That way, you don’t have to jostle with the crowds who will gather at the public beach,’’ my reporter friend reminded me.

White beaches, palm trees and the rocket launch pad. A perfect view from the balcony of Wenchang Hilton in Hainan, China.

To ensure my dates were when the launch was “most likely to happen”, he doubled-checked with his colleagues in the Hainan bureau, and they assured him that it was on and that “it will happen”.

The Wenchang Space Launch Centre, operational since 2016, is the only coastal launch site in China. Most launches take place in desert sites.

The Hainan location allows for the launch of the country’s largest and heaviest rockets – like the Long March 5, which carries modules for China’s Tiangong Space Station and deep-space missions to the Moon and Mars.

Unlike many space facilities around the world, Wenchang’s launch pads are remarkably accessible.

There’s a public beach that’s just a short walk away from the main launch site, where curious onlookers and local families gather to watch the countdowns, to hear the engines roar to life, and to see the rockets pierce through the sky in dazzling displays.

The anticipated day finally came. Roads were sealed. Only vehicles ferrying registered hotel guests were allowed entry into the hotel area.

Space workers in their uniforms were seen walking around the lobby and restaurants. My wife, who speaks Mandarin, asked if the launch would happen. Their lips were sealed but they sportingly smiled and nodded their heads.

The rocket lift-off event at Wenchang, as seen from the writer’s hotel balcony.

The hotel had set up a counter selling miniature rockets, badges and other souvenirs, which was another sign that the launch was on.

There were rocket models in the lobby, and the afternoon tea served cakes and other sweet treats in the shape of astronauts and spacecrafts, though for a pricey RM200.

By 2pm, locals arrived at the public beach with folding chairs and picnic baskets, turning the shoreline into a festive arena. Children waved flags and tourists scrambled for the best camera angles.

Finally, on Aug 22 at 8.25pm, I looked at the balconies next to our room and saw that they were already filled with guests.

Then, the countdown began. When it hit zero, a thunderous roar filled the air. The rocket lifted slowly at first, then accelerated into the clouds, leaving behind a huge column of fire and a trail of awestruck gasps.

It was loud and hot, yet completely unforgettable. I couldn’t believe how close we were to seeing it all. There was no need for binoculars or distant observation decks.

What I also found unbelievable was that there was only a short mention of the launch on the local TV news channel that evening.

One of the hotel restaurant workers, a local, shrugged at my excitement, saying the rocket launches were mainly satellites by the private sector, and that these take place every few months.

A check online indeed showed three launches this year and many locals were no longer excited about these events, “except for the out-of-town local tourists”. My wife and I were the only foreign guests at the hotel.

The writer with his wife, Datin Seri Florence Teh at the Aeronautics City in Hainan.

A record was set between July 30 and Aug 4, when “two launches were carried out within five days”, according to reports.

One big attraction that awaits public opening is the Hainan Science Museum, also called the Hainan Science and Technology Museum, in Haikou. Here, there are galleries within the futuristic six-storey building displaying space technology, ocean science, and mathematics, as well as a few interactive zones.

The design of the building resembles an “updraft” (rising warm air current), with fluid, cloud-like shapes, inspired by Hainan’s tropical rainforests and futurism, according to news reports.

But for now, tourists only have the Astronautics City to visit, which is a modest museum but decent enough.

Since we were already in Wenchang, a quiet “rocket town”, we had to try its Wenchang chicken, a dish so famous it inspired the Malaysian favourite, Hainanese chicken rice.

My verdict? Well, we may be light years behind China in terms of rocket science but as a consolation, our Hainanese chicken rice is way, way better!

The steamed chicken in Hainan is tough as they are free-range chickens. They do not have our chilli sauce as a condiment nor do they use thick caramel soy sauce. The steamed chicken is also pretty plain and dry, really.

One simply has to try the chicken rice in Hainan as that's where it originated, but the writer still prefers Malaysian chicken rice.

What about durians in Hainan? No, it’s not going to happen for a long, long time as they still rely on imported Thai durians.

Haikou, the capital of Hainan, is also known for its Instagram-friendly colonial-era buildings at Qilou Old Street, reflecting both European and Chinese influences, and restaurants.

Further south, the more well-known resort cities like Sanya offer five-star luxury, snorkelling, and rainforest hikes.

But for Malaysians, all these will not really excite most of us ... but seeing a rocket lift off in front of our eyes is definitely worth experiencing.

Hainan is just a little over three hours by flight from KL and not many realise that the place is geographically the closest Chinese province to Malaysia.

Haikou’s Qilou Old Street is a charming town with colonial-style buildings.

Friday, September 5, 2025

How US is eroding its own financial power with a crisis of trust in the dollar

Once hailed as the bedrock of global finance, the US dollar now teeters on the precipice of a crisis of trust. The era of "dollar exceptionalism," where the currency stood invincible, is rapidly crumbling under the weight of Washington's own missteps, which have continuously pushed the world to look for alternatives.

A careful examination of the dollar from the perspective of currency's four basic functions, namely world currency, stores of value, payment and circulation, reveals a startling reality.

From "dollar privilege" to "global enemy"

The US dollar is being pulled into a crisis of trust by its very own mastermind. Bert Flossbach, co-founder and chief investment officer of Germany's largest independent asset management firm, Flossbach von Storch, said: "The US government's chaotic tariff policy has undermined the dollar's safe haven status."

At the heart of the dollar's fall is America's weaponization of its financial system. Since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, Western countries froze $300 billion in Russian reserves and expelled Russia financial institutions from the SWIFT system. These drastic measures, intended to crush adversaries, instead triggered a mass exodus from the dollar.

Many countries have accelerated efforts to de-dollarize. Even Saudi Arabia, long the guardian of the oil-dollar nexus, has started accepting other currencies for oil transactions.

In one fell swoop, the very weapon the US used to maintain its financial dominance has turned into its Achilles' heel, splintering the global financial system and hastening the decline of the dollar.

From "safe assets" to "devaluation traps"

The US dollar's stability once rested on two pillars: a robust US economy and the nation's unwavering commitment to its credit. But today, both foundations are crumbling. The US national debt has soared past $36 trillion, with debt-to-GDP ratios hitting nearly 120 percent. The Federal Reserve's response has been to print more money, fueling inflation while simultaneously weakening the dollar.

The consequences are already evident. Countries that once trusted US debt now find themselves trapped in US dollar devaluation, even traditional allies like Japan and Saudi Arabia are offloading their stakes in American debt. Worse yet, the exportation of US inflation to emerging economies, through the "dollar tidal wave" has pushed countries like Argentina and Egypt to the brink of financial bankruptcy, igniting a worldwide movement away from dollar-based reserves.

In short, the American currency has become a ticking time bomb and a "devaluation trap" rather than a safe store of value.

From "everywhere" to "restricted"

The dollar's omnipresence in global trade is retreating. America's control over the SWIFT payment system, once a crucial artery for cross-border transactions, is not as reliable as it once was. Alternatives have emerged: China's CIPS system, Russia's SPFS and the EU's INSTEX are facilitating cross-border transactions without relying on US dollars.

The most significant blow, however, may come from the "petrodollar" system. For decades, oil trading has been anchored in US dollars, cementing its dominance. But countries like Iran, Venezuela, and even the UAE are shifting toward the acceptance of other currencies for oil transactions. This transformation could be the death knell for the dollar's privileged position in the global economy.

On top of this, the rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) is set to further undermine the dollar's supremacy. As countries develop their own digital currencies and enter into cross-border alliances, the dollar's role as the global middleman in trade could be rendered obsolete sooner or later.

America's self-inflicted wounds

While Washington may feel emboldened by its ability to weaponize the financial system, the consequences will ultimately be self-destructive. For one thing, the erosion of trust in US debt will raise borrowing costs for the federal government, exacerbating the already crippling national debt. Secondly, the decline of the dollar as the world's reserve currency will shrink US income from "seigniorage," the revenue generated by printing money.

For another, as the dollar's dominance erodes, America's geopolitical influence will fade. The loss of its financial leverage means that Washington's ability to impose sanctions or exert pressure on nations will diminish, weakening its role as the global leader.

The message is clear: The world no longer wants a single currency, particularly one that is the symbol of hegemony and is increasingly wielded as a tool of coercion.

The future belongs to a more diversified monetary system: where multiple currencies, including the euro, Chinese yuan, and potentially even gold or digital currencies, will all play a larger role. This shift may be uncomfortable for America, but it is in line with the trend of history.

The dollar's downfall should be a wake-up call for the US. If Washington continues down its current path, it risks turning itself into an isolated financial island, cut off from the very system it once cultivated and ruled.

The time has come for America to take a more collaborative, less confrontational approach, or risk witnessing its global influence slip away.

The author is a commentator on international affairs, writing regularly for Xinhua News, Global Times, China Daily, CGTN etc. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

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