Monash University Malaysia: Creating A Sustainable Educational Environment That Promotes Technological, Economic, Social & Political Development
Beverley Webster, Vice President (Education)
Monash University has carved out a unique place for itself as a preeminent higher education service provider with hubs in Malaysia, Indonesia, China and Italy. A premier research-intensive Australian university that consistently ranks among the top 100 universities in the world, Monash University is a member of Australia's prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), and is ranked 58th in the QS 2022 World University Rankings. Founded in 1958 in Australia, Monash University set up operations in Malaysia in 1998 after being invited by the Ministry of Education to contribute to an uplift of the Higher Education sector in the country. Monash University Malaysia is the third-largest campus of Australia's largest university and the first foreign university campus to be established in Malaysia. With a vision to be the leader in education and research, teaching excellence, and innovation, Monash University Malaysia delivers world-class education and research, directly benefiting Malaysia and the South-East Asian region. Monash University Malaysia contributes to creating a sustainable educational environment through vigorous advocacy of technological, economic, social and political development.
Industry-specific Course Offerings
In keeping with its research-intensive mission, Monash University Malaysia has developed research programs that make social contributions through new knowledge creation and technology innovation. Each of its seven schools, which includes Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering, Pharmacy, Science and Information Technology has an exceptional reputation within each respective industry. Owing to this reputation, Monash University Malaysia is a preferred study destination for international students. According to Professor Beverley Webster, Vice President (Education), Monash University Malaysia, Engineering is a good example, evolving to become one of the most popular course offerings amongst international students. Professor Webster adds, "we already offer a suite of engineering programs such as chemical, civil, mechanical, robotics and mechatronics, electrical and computer systems and software engineering. However, the demand for IT courses remains unabated, so we plan to introduce new degrees in that field, especially around data science and big data. Apart from engineering, medicine and pharmacy are also in high demand, especially amongst students coming from India".
Monash University Malaysia looks beyond graduation to ensure that the alumni community is able to excel in a highly competitive talent market. Monash University has been successful in integrating learning with real-world experience, including internships and other forms of `industry based education', that enable students to take their careers forward and move into leadership roles, making a difference in the communities where they are employed. Monash University Malaysia focuses on providing students with a variety of learning and teaching experiences, including practice-based, collaborative, inter-disciplinary and workplace learning. A variety of evidence based delivery and assessment methods are used including those on campus and in online and immersive environments with virtual and augmented reality capabilities. Monash University Malaysia was already well-advanced in its use of educational technologies and digital resources prior to the pandemic. While there were certainly challenges, this level of readiness enabled the university to get students engaged in online learning quickly, ensuring continuity of education despite the hurdles faced by the pandemic all around the world.
"Monash University Malaysia contributes to creating a sustainable educational environment through vigorous advocacy of technological, economic, social and political development"
Crafting Leaders of the Future
As a modern global university, Monash University and its international partners offer courses across multiple campuses, providing students with opportunities to study in a preferred geographical location, and to complete studies and research in multiple countries. Irrespective of the campus they graduate from, students obtain a Monash qualification of the same standing. This ability to offer a truly international education with multiple mobility options is critical to developing effective participants and leaders in an increasingly globalised and interconnected world. Adding to this, students at Monash Malaysia are taught by highly qualified and research-driven educators from all over the world.
Professor Beverley Webster further explains; "while ensuring that students have access to the very best expertise and current knowledge in their field of study, we try to engage our students actively in the learning process. Rather than relying on the traditional lecture-based model of teaching and learning, our faculties encourage students to collaborate with their peers and participate actively in their learning through a range of approaches, such as project work, solution design workshops and laboratory work, student-led presentations and seminars, problem-based learning, professional skills development, and research and active inquiry. These approaches ultimately lead to better learning outcomes, including developing leadership, communication and problem-solving capabilities. Employers in all industries want graduates from Monash University because it is evident that our graduates are better prepared to go out and participate in today's communities and workplaces".
Helping Graduates Make Their Way in a Changing World
Gradually expanding the scope of educational offerings since its inception, Monash University now has a substantial footprint in the educational landscape of Malaysia. Professor Beverley Webster acknowledges that "it can certainly be tough, for young graduates in particular, to succeed without the 21st century skills, professional skills and personal attributes, that are so critical to life in today's socio-economic realities. The dynamics of the employment market have changed, becoming more internationalised, interconnected, digitally-enabled, agile and changeable. People no longer stick to one job, or live in one place, throughout their lives. That is why we, at Monash Malaysia, are so intent upon helping our students develop the abilities that complement discipline-specific knowledge and skills. This makes our students more adaptable and agile as roles change and industries move in different directions. More than just a high quality education, we provide education that goes beyond the degree, an education that enables our graduates to continually develop their careers and to make positive contributions to the community, social and civil milieus that matter to them".
With approximately 9,400 students from 78 different countries, Monash University Malaysia offers higher education in a distinctly international and culturally rich environment. As would be expected of a highly ranked international university, Monash University Malaysia embraces diversity and caters to the diverse needs of its students. Professor Webster concludes by pointing out how important it is for higher education institutions to put the `student at the centre'. All of the students who choose to enroll at Monash University in Malaysia are treated as individuals, with specific personal needs and learning goals. We have a diverse student community, culturally and demographically. We maintain a strong commitment to ensuring that all students, irrespective of their background, have equitable access to a rewarding learning experience. Added to that, Sunway City, is a well-positioned, well-connected and vibrant campus, which is designed to ensure that people can easily access and use the university facilities to maximise their learning experience and engagement with others. Developing social connections, interests and skills, and participating in the enduring networks that connect students to alumni, who are themselves industry leaders, is an important part of this university' mission".
Industry-specific Course Offerings
In keeping with its research-intensive mission, Monash University Malaysia has developed research programs that make social contributions through new knowledge creation and technology innovation. Each of its seven schools, which includes Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering, Pharmacy, Science and Information Technology has an exceptional reputation within each respective industry. Owing to this reputation, Monash University Malaysia is a preferred study destination for international students. According to Professor Beverley Webster, Vice President (Education), Monash University Malaysia, Engineering is a good example, evolving to become one of the most popular course offerings amongst international students. Professor Webster adds, "we already offer a suite of engineering programs such as chemical, civil, mechanical, robotics and mechatronics, electrical and computer systems and software engineering. However, the demand for IT courses remains unabated, so we plan to introduce new degrees in that field, especially around data science and big data. Apart from engineering, medicine and pharmacy are also in high demand, especially amongst students coming from India".
Monash University Malaysia looks beyond graduation to ensure that the alumni community is able to excel in a highly competitive talent market. Monash University has been successful in integrating learning with real-world experience, including internships and other forms of `industry based education', that enable students to take their careers forward and move into leadership roles, making a difference in the communities where they are employed. Monash University Malaysia focuses on providing students with a variety of learning and teaching experiences, including practice-based, collaborative, inter-disciplinary and workplace learning. A variety of evidence based delivery and assessment methods are used including those on campus and in online and immersive environments with virtual and augmented reality capabilities. Monash University Malaysia was already well-advanced in its use of educational technologies and digital resources prior to the pandemic. While there were certainly challenges, this level of readiness enabled the university to get students engaged in online learning quickly, ensuring continuity of education despite the hurdles faced by the pandemic all around the world.
"Monash University Malaysia contributes to creating a sustainable educational environment through vigorous advocacy of technological, economic, social and political development"
Crafting Leaders of the Future
As a modern global university, Monash University and its international partners offer courses across multiple campuses, providing students with opportunities to study in a preferred geographical location, and to complete studies and research in multiple countries. Irrespective of the campus they graduate from, students obtain a Monash qualification of the same standing. This ability to offer a truly international education with multiple mobility options is critical to developing effective participants and leaders in an increasingly globalised and interconnected world. Adding to this, students at Monash Malaysia are taught by highly qualified and research-driven educators from all over the world.
Professor Beverley Webster further explains; "while ensuring that students have access to the very best expertise and current knowledge in their field of study, we try to engage our students actively in the learning process. Rather than relying on the traditional lecture-based model of teaching and learning, our faculties encourage students to collaborate with their peers and participate actively in their learning through a range of approaches, such as project work, solution design workshops and laboratory work, student-led presentations and seminars, problem-based learning, professional skills development, and research and active inquiry. These approaches ultimately lead to better learning outcomes, including developing leadership, communication and problem-solving capabilities. Employers in all industries want graduates from Monash University because it is evident that our graduates are better prepared to go out and participate in today's communities and workplaces".
Helping Graduates Make Their Way in a Changing World
Gradually expanding the scope of educational offerings since its inception, Monash University now has a substantial footprint in the educational landscape of Malaysia. Professor Beverley Webster acknowledges that "it can certainly be tough, for young graduates in particular, to succeed without the 21st century skills, professional skills and personal attributes, that are so critical to life in today's socio-economic realities. The dynamics of the employment market have changed, becoming more internationalised, interconnected, digitally-enabled, agile and changeable. People no longer stick to one job, or live in one place, throughout their lives. That is why we, at Monash Malaysia, are so intent upon helping our students develop the abilities that complement discipline-specific knowledge and skills. This makes our students more adaptable and agile as roles change and industries move in different directions. More than just a high quality education, we provide education that goes beyond the degree, an education that enables our graduates to continually develop their careers and to make positive contributions to the community, social and civil milieus that matter to them".
With approximately 9,400 students from 78 different countries, Monash University Malaysia offers higher education in a distinctly international and culturally rich environment. As would be expected of a highly ranked international university, Monash University Malaysia embraces diversity and caters to the diverse needs of its students. Professor Webster concludes by pointing out how important it is for higher education institutions to put the `student at the centre'. All of the students who choose to enroll at Monash University in Malaysia are treated as individuals, with specific personal needs and learning goals. We have a diverse student community, culturally and demographically. We maintain a strong commitment to ensuring that all students, irrespective of their background, have equitable access to a rewarding learning experience. Added to that, Sunway City, is a well-positioned, well-connected and vibrant campus, which is designed to ensure that people can easily access and use the university facilities to maximise their learning experience and engagement with others. Developing social connections, interests and skills, and participating in the enduring networks that connect students to alumni, who are themselves industry leaders, is an important part of this university' mission".
