Latest news with #NationalAssociationofPrivateEducationalInstitutions
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
Students warned of fake course offers
PETALING JAYA: SPM school leavers have been advised to be wary of unsolicited WhatsApp and SMS texts offering various courses and attractive incentives to be enrolled in some colleges and private institutions of higher learning. It is crucial to check the legitimacy of such 'offers' before making any decision to enrol to avoid ending up in debt due to high fees and other costs imposed by the operators. Despite regulations governing the promotion of courses offered by private higher education institutions, enforcing them remained a significant challenge, according to the National Association of Private Educational Institutions (Napei). Deputy president Dr Teh Choon Jin said while most reputable institutions adhere to the rules, some unscrupulous operators continue to promote unaccredited programmes via social media and messaging apps. ALSO READ: Cautious response to scholarship offers 'These misleading promotions not only deceive students but tarnish the reputation of the entire private education sector,' he said. Teh urged parents to scrutinise any claims made by these operators and to particularly get accreditation from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). He said fraudulent advertisements are being promoted on the social media and they often misuse the names of reputable institutions, misleading students into thinking they are enrolling in accredited programmes. (Click To Enlarge) To protect students, Teh called for greater vigilance and collaboration with the authorities. 'The most important step is to verify whether the courses and institutions are accredited,' he said. Teh also highlighted that Napei members faced significant challenges due to fraudulent advertisements and scams, especially those proliferated through social media and messaging platforms. 'These deceptive ads often misuse the names, logos, or branding of reputable institutions to appear legitimate, misleading students into believing they are enrolling into recognised programmes,' he explained. The presence of such scams in the ecosystem creates confusion and distrust among students and parents,' he added. Uniten vice-chancellor Prof Dr Khairul Salleh Mohamed Sahari said students and parents could verify a programme's accreditation status via the Malaysian Qualifications Register or the Provisional Accreditation list on the MQA website. For overseas programmes, the former MQA deputy CEO (quality assurance) said recognition status could be checked through the e-SISRAF system or by contacting the MQA. 'When a student enrols in an unaccredited programme, he or she will not be able to apply for any scholarships or financial assistance from major providers such as the Public Service Department, Majlis Amanah Rakyat and National Higher Education Fund Corporation or PTPTN. 'Upon graduation, he or she will not be able to join the public service and may be rejected by companies that strictly assess the quality of the programme,' he said. Some institutions, he said, also misused the MQA logo in advertisements for non-accredited programmes. He warned that such actions are offences under Act 679 and could lead to fines or imprisonment if convicted. National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general Fouzi Singon acknowledged that the issue had persisted for years, with many students falling victim. Some colleges, he said, entice students with special offers, only for them to end up in debt due to high fees imposed and other costs. 'There are also third parties acting as agents who exploit the situation to earn commissions by charging exorbitant processing fees,' he added. Fouzi also advised parents to verify an institution's qualification certificates and ensure that their MQA accreditation is still valid. 'Even if there is a certificate, the validity date of the accreditation certificate by the MQA needs to be verified,' he said. He also called on the MQA to promote evaluation steps more actively and strengthen student data protection.
Barnama
29-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Well-Placed To Become Key Player In Global Edutourism Sector
KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is well-placed to become a key player in the global edutourism sector, leveraging its strengths in education, cultural diversity, and affordability to attract international students, said Datuk Lau Wai Cheng, president of the National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI). In a statement, Lau said edutourism, the convergence of education and tourism, offers Malaysia a timely opportunity to diversify its visitor economy while highlighting the nation's educational strengths. "As demand for experiential travel grows globally, international students and families are increasingly seeking programmes that offer more than classroom instruction,' he said. He noted that the country's affordability, cultural diversity and English-speaking environment make it well-suited to capitalise on the growing shift towards edutourism, aligning with Visit Malaysia 2026 by providing learners with enriching experiences that blend education, culture and personal development. Lau added that Malaysia has been able to take the lead in delivering immersive learning experiences that are relevant, inclusive and globally competitive, with strong partnerships, supportive policy frameworks and institutional readiness. 'We are not simply promoting programs through edutourism. We are helping to build mutual understanding, empower communities and shape a future where education extends beyond borders and leaves a lasting impact,' he said. On NAPEI's role, Lau explained that for over three decades, the association has played a pivotal role in enhancing the private education ecosystem and its global presence. By engaging with its member institutions, the association has promoted high standards in academic delivery and supported initiatives that have expanded the global reach of Malaysian education, he said. He noted that NAPEI members have offered short courses for students seeking to improve their English proficiency while immersing themselves in Malaysian culture, incorporating cultural and heritage experiences, collaborations with local schools, homestays with local families, sports tourism, eco- and nature-based activities, as well as modules aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
M'sia losing talent to career stagnation, not higher pay
PETALING JAYA: To bring back government-sponsored Malaysian graduates, the focus must go beyond wages. Fixing career pathways and restoring meritocracy are essential to making home a place worth returning to. Economist Prof Geoffrey Williams said retaining top talent requires bold reforms that promote merit-based progression, create high-skilled jobs and liberalise social attitudes rather than relying on restrictive scholarship bond systems, which he described as 'indentured programmes'. 'The main reasons are the lack of job opportunities in Malaysia for high-skilled graduates, poor career development and limited promotion prospects. Older individuals tend to hold on to senior positions and career progression is often not merit-based. 'Contrary to popular belief, salaries are not the main reason scholars leave and remain abroad. Although pay is typically higher overseas, so is the cost of living. In fact, Malaysia often offers more attractive lifestyle options.' Williams noted that while many view the trend as a national loss, the financial impact may not be as significant. Scholars who choose to repay their bonds early effectively free up funds for new recipients. He criticised the current system for placing a moral burden on scholars to 'give back', likening the bond scheme to being trapped in a job without the freedom to leave – a key reason why many choose to pay off their contracts and remain overseas. 'The only reforms that can truly retain top Malaysian talent and encourage their return are improving merit-based progression, creating high-skilled jobs, liberalising social attitudes and ending indentured bond programmes.' He also urged the government to overhaul higher education funding by abolishing loans for local universities and modernising scholarship schemes. 'Removing bonds, obligations and expectations of gratitude would make scholarships more appealing and fair. The good news is that we're also seeing an inflow of highly qualified individuals from abroad.' National Association of Private Educational Institutions secretary-general Dr Teh Choon Jin said the decision by many sponsored students to remain overseas should not be interpreted as disloyalty, but rather a reflection of the opportunities available abroad. 'Many of our sponsored students excel and are offered promising roles overseas. This highlights the areas we need to improve domestically, not just job creation, but also creating an environment where returning is viable and meaningful.' However, Teh warned that when high-performing scholars choose to stay abroad, Malaysia loses potential leaders, experts and innovators vital to national development. He pointed out that these graduates are part of a talent pipeline built for the country's progress and their absence creates a gap that is difficult to fill, not just in numbers but in quality and depth. 'While scholarship bonds and return service agreements have a role, they alone aren't enough to draw scholars back.' Teh emphasised the need to support reintegration through impactful job placements, mentorship and a clear sense of purpose. 'If we can offer them roles that are fulfilling and meaningful, many will return, not out of duty, but because they see a future here. 'Younger graduates today seek purpose, flexibility and impact. When Malaysia becomes a land of opportunity, not merely a place of origin, our talent will find its way home.' Last month, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo revealed that Malaysia is facing a critical brain drain, with 1.86 million Malaysians having left the country over the past 50 years. That figure represents 5.6% of the population, significantly higher than the global average of 3.6%. Since 2010, more than 2,800 government-sponsored Malaysian students have graduated and taken up jobs abroad, with an estimated one in six failing to return after completing their studies.
The Sun
26-04-2025
- General
- The Sun
Students skipping SPM exams sparks call for reforms
PETALING JAYA: With thousands of students missing their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations each year, urgent reforms are needed to make the education system more inclusive and responsive to the diverse challenges faced by Malaysian youths, says an educationist. National Association of Private Educational Institutions secretary-general Dr Teh Choon Jin said early and comprehensive support is key to helping at-risk students, with a focus on attendance, academic performance and behaviour to identify those needing intervention. Speaking to theSun, he said the current system is overly rigid and exam-centric, and does not accommodate students facing learning difficulties, mental health struggles, family issues or financial pressures. 'Not all students learn the same way, and not everyone has a smooth journey in life. We need a more flexible and compassionate system – one that recognises diverse learning styles and life circumstances, rather than punishing students for things beyond their control. Teh emphasised the need for well-resourced intervention programmes in underserved and rural schools, and for teachers to be trained in socio-emotional and trauma-informed approaches. He said many students who skip SPM are not disinterested in education, but are driven by personal or socio-economic hardship. Financial pressure is a major factor, particularly for students from B40 families who feel compelled to enter the workforce early. During the 2024 SPM results announcement, Education Director-General Datuk Azman Adnan revealed that more than half of the 6,246 students who skipped the exam last year had already started working. Of the number, 57.8% were employed outside their school zones, 35.5% faced family-related issues and 4.7% were dealing with health problems. 'Instead of labelling them dropouts, we need to recognise that many are being pushed out by circumstances they can't control.' He added that some families and employers may not understand the long-term value of an SPM qualification, often prioritising on short-term income. As such, clearer and more relatable public awareness campaigns are needed to explain how the SPM certificate can open doors to better jobs, vocational training and further education. 'When more students leave school without completing their SPM, the impact goes beyond the individual. It affects society as a whole,' he said, adding that without the basic qualification, many youths are trapped in low-paying and unstable jobs. Teh warned that this deepens social inequality and limits Malaysia's potential in a fast-changing, knowledge-driven global economy. 'To bring dropouts back into the education system, the process must be flexible, accessible and non-intimidating. Not everyone can complete SPM at 17 – and that's okay.' He proposed the setting up of more community learning centres, options for blended and online learning, and recognition of prior learning. Free resits, waiving of exam fees and collaborating with NGOs and employers can also help ease the path back to education. 'Most importantly, we must change the mindset that SPM is only for teenagers. It should be seen as a second-chance opportunity for anyone, at any stage of life.'
