tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post4931577023227426520..comments2024-03-21T20:10:28.943+08:00Comments on EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA: THES 2007 Rankings: Denial Syndrome PersistsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-1481481818020097272008-07-03T12:25:00.000+08:002008-07-03T12:25:00.000+08:00"It is the person that you become at the end of th..."It is the person that you become at the end of the day that counts, not what number university you come from"<BR/><BR/>only if you are Mother Teresa otherwise totally bullshit, you don't even realize you are being governed or affected by systems or ideas created or manipulated by a group of intellectuals and academicians. we are all living in a systems where we are towing the line of norms set by intellectuals, not we are above the well being of social contract. i am not sure whether you understand or see what I saw.<BR/><BR/>JAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-38150524716472893012008-07-03T12:24:00.000+08:002008-07-03T12:24:00.000+08:00"It is the person that you become at the end of th..."It is the person that you become at the end of the day that counts, not what number university you come from"<BR/><BR/>only if you are Mother Teresa otherwise totally bullshit, you don't even realize you are being governed or affected by systems or ideas created or manipulated by a group of intellectuals and academicians. we are all living in a systems where we are towing the line of norms set by intellectuals, not we are above the well being of social contract. i am not sure whether you understand or see what I saw.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-80626615298089624622008-07-03T12:15:00.000+08:002008-07-03T12:15:00.000+08:00to LeighC,Let me clarify again since the aforement...to LeighC,<BR/><BR/>Let me clarify again since the aforementioned is abit ambiguous. Having said scientific contribution and discovery of the millennium, it is not something you can achieve without great education. Please go through Harvard journals or MIT publications, there's where the intellectuals were greatly educated to understand the complex science and the latest phenomena, Harvard or MIT is not a graduate producing factory except the business school, they recruit students or professor provide space and time for their research, it's more than just a school to teach whereas when graduated you don't even use 10% of what you learnt. If someone has the ability to discover and invent, I am sure they need funding and resources for their research even though you are innate genius. Clearly you don't fully comprehend the meaning of research universities, moreover experienced it. name me one Nobel laureutes (except the PEace Price) who didn't receive 'good education'. you ll be baffled how far Harvard research is ahead of us. fyi, 5 years ago i read about Harvard physics research about STOPING THE LIGHT, yes stopping the (photon)LIGHT from emitting. top that, man.<BR/><BR/>JAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-37322456262739103932008-07-03T10:44:00.000+08:002008-07-03T10:44:00.000+08:00to LeighC:They are the Nobel Peace Prize winners, ...to LeighC:<BR/><BR/>They are the Nobel Peace Prize winners, be more analytical and logical minded, don't comment just for the sake of commenting, it does not show you anyway smarter. nobel peace is about sacrifice and promotion of world peace and it doesnot need to be even a college graduate. even Mother Teresa got it. Even if you could manage to discover some scientific contribution without a college degree, anyone may get a Nobel, it's not a pre requisite in Nobel.<BR/><BR/>JAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-43147420014098689212008-07-03T10:25:00.000+08:002008-07-03T10:25:00.000+08:00I wholly and totally oppose the way THES ranking w...I wholly and totally oppose the way THES ranking was carried out. All universities ranking should be more holistic which encompasses graduate and undergrad level as if that's the general ranking for all universities. Should there be ranking it must be based on citations, publications, post student annual income and relevant variables. If that's the case, I would hypothesize that none of Malaysian universities can even make it to the top 400 ranking in the world. Be it that Singaporean U would turn out to be performing less than ideal. <BR/>I think THES ranking is a flop<BR/><BR/>Regards,<BR/>JAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-60974940404045680272007-11-24T01:03:00.000+08:002007-11-24T01:03:00.000+08:00someone said that nus is obsessed with rankings an...someone said that nus is obsessed with rankings and even put it on their webpage.<BR/><BR/>now tell me is there any local universities like um, usm, ukm dare to put something similar as that on their websites? <BR/><BR/>perhaps like "we are the top 500 in the world" or "we are the best according to mohe" or "we don't believe in biased ranking". <BR/><BR/>i do know that they declared the medals won at those international exhibitions (which waste money) anyway. <BR/><BR/>but are those medals any worth?<BR/><BR/>go and enjoy your dirty laundry. <BR/><BR/>smell it and have a sweet dream.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-27272639393306186282007-11-23T01:38:00.000+08:002007-11-23T01:38:00.000+08:00hello i didnt say that nus sucks, i was just point...hello i didnt say that nus sucks, i was just pointing out a few things that I feel are wrong with the uni. Its entirely my opinion and in nus u are allowed to your opinion. its called self criticism and its a thing that most malaysians seem to be unfamiliar with i wouldnt be here if i thot the nus sucks, but that doesnt mean i cant criticize it. nus undergradAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-12348561525850386242007-11-20T17:04:00.000+08:002007-11-20T17:04:00.000+08:00True. Thus, the attempts of our minister of higher...True. Thus, the attempts of our minister of higher education intending to attract more foreign student to local universities, despite the fact that many locals cannot get the chance, have shown that he himself does not understand the core and the essence of education. It is hopeless when he told the university faculties to publish more paper in order to raise up the ranking. How short-sighted and ignorant is him? Apparently, this is the quality of our ministers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-29370779956574754532007-11-20T11:47:00.000+08:002007-11-20T11:47:00.000+08:00Agree!!!Agree!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-87119546204614099522007-11-20T00:45:00.000+08:002007-11-20T00:45:00.000+08:00well said, Leigh C. Couldn't agree morewell said, Leigh C. Couldn't agree moreAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-45085538590961943872007-11-20T00:24:00.000+08:002007-11-20T00:24:00.000+08:00Education, in its core meaning, basically means to...Education, in its core meaning, basically means to draw out the best in oneself. An excellent education enables one to grow holistically and to find his own stand in the society. The best Us in the world do not necessarily guarantee a happy and easy life and graduates from a U ranked 400+ are not hopeless cases. All these rankings are seen as yardstick to measure the excellence of education. At the end of the day, all said and done, we all just want to be happy. Simple but true.<BR/><BR/>There is a report in the local newspaper today about a 12-year-old girl who committed suicide. It is not proven, but there is a strong link of her death to her UPSR results. When disheartening news like this is heard, one wonders…what is the meaning of a certificate? What more rankings of Universities.<BR/><BR/>Millions graduate from world class universities every year. Muhammad Yunus received his first degree from Dhaka University, Bangladesh. Wangari Muta Maathai obtained her PhD from University of Nairobi. Both are Nobel Peace Prize laureates and both studied in universities that are not in the top 200 according to THES rankings this year. Were/Are their contributions to the society any less than a Harvard graduate?<BR/><BR/>If you factor time out and replace it with determination in the equation, you can achieve anything you want. Many life lessons are learnt outside of the classroom. It is the person that you become at the end of the day that counts, not what number university you come from.<BR/><BR/>LeighCAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-6521678378473707342007-11-19T14:42:00.000+08:002007-11-19T14:42:00.000+08:00Lee Quan You must be rolling on the floor laughing...Lee Quan You must be rolling on the floor laughing reading this blogAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-55219583851309219982007-11-19T12:03:00.000+08:002007-11-19T12:03:00.000+08:00For every single one of us who thinks Singapore an...For every single one of us who thinks Singapore and NUS are obssessed with rankings, you are obssessed with hating them.<BR/><BR/>For those who say NUS don't deserve top 50, give us your methodology and rank for us to see. It's easy to throw stones, but can you build the castle?<BR/><BR/>And stop being so obssessed with forign (Western) Universities. Our Asian Universities are comparable. It's just the marketing.<BR/><BR/>For that NUS Undergrad (u sure u are real?) who said NUS sucks, why did you go there?! Maybe you are the one with problem?<BR/><BR/>I agree with the guy who said we should not be crabs ina bucket. So what if we drag Singapore and NUS to our level? We don't climb by doing that!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-7400292815638426812007-11-19T11:45:00.000+08:002007-11-19T11:45:00.000+08:00Curtin is a POLYTECHNIC. It was "upgraded" to Univ...Curtin is a POLYTECHNIC. It was "upgraded" to University status when Australia went on profit making education plans.<BR/><BR/>You see for yourself if it has come up to University standard or not loh.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-43135504121983461492007-11-18T21:30:00.000+08:002007-11-18T21:30:00.000+08:00do u think curtin uni is a good uni???do u think curtin uni is a good uni???Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-75981953956035964622007-11-18T19:24:00.000+08:002007-11-18T19:24:00.000+08:00In fact, quite a numbers of foreign universities w...In fact, quite a numbers of foreign universities which have twinning collaboration with our local tertiary institutions are not as "world-class" as the advertisements have claimed. I thought this has been discussed in this blog in the past.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-48821491648340732662007-11-18T15:05:00.000+08:002007-11-18T15:05:00.000+08:00It seems to me that some of the Aussie unis like L...It seems to me that some of the Aussie unis like La Trobe that our unis are twinning here, are not even in the top 200 too!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-26765314381484059272007-11-18T15:04:00.000+08:002007-11-18T15:04:00.000+08:00I just came back to Malaysia and looked at the ran...I just came back to Malaysia and looked at the rankings. I want to ask what all of you think about INTI University College? Is it a good uni or does it suck like most of the rest? Three of my cousins urged me to enrol there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-63516057121777289322007-11-16T10:14:00.000+08:002007-11-16T10:14:00.000+08:00The number of years to do a degree depends on the ...The number of years to do a degree depends on the faculty. Generally science takes 4 years and arts 3 years long ago.(70s and 80's)<BR/><BR/>In the science degree then only those that passed a certain standard are allow to go to year 4 or the honours course for further specialisation<BR/><BR/>A few year later the science degree becomes a 4 year course and no longer a two tiered structure of general degree plus one year honours. Everybody that passed year 3 goes into honours year.<BR/><BR/>a few years later arts decided to convert its 3 year degree to a 4 year degree. (Maybe they realized they dont learn enough!)<BR/><BR/>Following that for what reason or rhyme by the government, it was decided to revert to a 3 year degree course in science<BR/><BR/>Now its back to a 4 year degree again (maybe the government re realized again that a 3 year degree course produced three quarter cooked graduate)<BR/><BR/>In the future I dont know depending on the whims of UNMO or the University or MOHE, but it will definitely be a pi mai pi mai tang tu caseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-25124514835532646892007-11-14T13:29:00.000+08:002007-11-14T13:29:00.000+08:00"How can people easily proceed to Master's degree ..."How can people easily proceed to Master's degree with just a three years course without an honours there?"<BR/><BR/>- Actually, Malaysia follows the UK 3 year degree with honours (depending on grades and dissertation), so I don't think that statement is correct. The US on the otherhand requires 4 years to complete a degree, and Australia 3 years without honours plus an additional honours year (4th year). In addition, it's not impossible to get accepted into certain Masters courses at a few big name Aussie unis armed with just a generalist 3 year degree (without honours).<BR/><BR/>But other than that, you are correct in your assessment that Malaysian universities are in a bad shape.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-59097605142658767042007-11-14T09:41:00.000+08:002007-11-14T09:41:00.000+08:00Right, we are way too far. In a nutshell, Malaysia...Right, we are way too far. In a nutshell, Malaysian universities sucks. How can people easily proceed to Master's degree with just a three years course without an honours there? Crap, i should have stayed back for tertiary education. I would save years working up the ladder.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-63597796612457925182007-11-14T04:55:00.000+08:002007-11-14T04:55:00.000+08:00from what i gather here u guys are arguing whether...from what i gather here u guys are arguing whether nus is good or world class, arent we getting a little side tracked here we should be arguing whether our unis are pathetic or uber pathetic, ohh and of course we should be giving causes and recommendations.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-3287375907230139382007-11-13T22:40:00.000+08:002007-11-13T22:40:00.000+08:00Anon of 11/13/2007 08:13:00 PM: Don't say that NU...Anon of 11/13/2007 08:13:00 PM: Don't say that NUS is not obsessed with ranking. It used to be that if you visited NUS website, the first thing you would see at the top right hand corner was that NUS was the top 20 in the world. Some people here are trying to put things in proper perspective because it is true that THES ranking is flawed because of the heavy reliance on peer review and international students. Obviously, there are also people who made critical comments just for the fun of it. Always remember that because of the anonymity of blog comments, sometimes you may be arguing with some teenagers. But then, there are also prople who are knowledgeable, who may be faculty members from elsewhere, and who have seen the world. Therefore you cannot criticise people just because you don't like their "armchair" comments. Having said that, I agree that NUS is world-class because I have been a visitor there and I know people there, but the argument here is whether it should be in the top 50 at this moment in time. That is a bit arguable if you have been to top universities in the US and elsewhere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-54569350461699140312007-11-13T21:31:00.000+08:002007-11-13T21:31:00.000+08:00For my curiosity, how do you get a full THES repor...For my curiosity, how do you get a full THES report?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12123329.post-13437239436212492682007-11-13T20:13:00.000+08:002007-11-13T20:13:00.000+08:00I did undergraduate courses at both UM in the 70s ...I did undergraduate courses at both UM in the 70s and NUS in the 80s, in different disciplines. I had good lecturers in UM in the 70s, 2 of whom later moved over to NUS, and then to NTU. 2 others went over to Australia, I believe. So "laku" they were. All those lecturers were Chinese and Indians, and I not saying this with racist intent but just to state facts.<BR/><BR/>Even comparing the UM lecturers then with my NUS lecturers a few years later, the gulf between the two groups of lecturers in terms of motivation and ability is wide indeed. But wider still is the difference you can see and feel in the two governments' attitude in striving for the best quality of education for their students.<BR/><BR/>That was then, so you can imagine how much worse off we are now, seeing how NUS has improved by leaps and bounds since.<BR/><BR/>It is most vile and unfounded to say most of those things printed above about NUS - as a matured student at NUS, I see freedom of expression, I see most helpful academic and administrative staff, and I see a truly intellectually-enhancing environment.<BR/><BR/>To say, for example, that NUS is obsessed with rankings, is not saying anything at all, other than bad-mouthing for the sake of bad-mouthing. What is wrong with obsession with rankings if it is making all efforts to achieve it? It is infantile to suggest that NUS, or any uni for that matter, could have been in the top 50 of the THES merely from abusing the peer review avenue to gain marks. In my view, and as expressed by another blogger earlier, you really have to be in NUS to appreciate the meaning of the concept of "effort", and the idea that we should "be the best we can be", one of the many campaign slogans over which Singapore was made fun of.<BR/><BR/>Armchair criticism of NUS, or Singapore for that matter, such as labelling it "not a real country", is not going to get Malaysia or any or its numerous universities anywhere.<BR/><BR/>Singapore is not perfect, obviously, and I returned to Malaysia as I did not want my kids to grow up is such a competitive (NOT stiffling) environment. I want them to be able to slow down and smell the roses. <BR/><BR/>Regrettably, hardly had I moved back 10 years when I felt compelled (yes, COMPELLED) to move my family overseas, seeing my dear country's freefall into certain oblivion in almost every aspect of life.<BR/><BR/>So let us not have the "crabs in the bucket syndrome" - let us climb up with effort, and not be satisfied just to drag others down to our own level of abject mediocrity.<BR/><BR/>On the chap who so want to do the medical sciences, I suggest you try the unis in New Zealand. Not only is the quality of education good (perhaps more than just good, from what I see of their graduates), but it is among the cheapest overseas education one can get. In NZ, the medical science courses are generally reserved only for citizens and PRs, but a few places are allotted to an arrangement with IMU in Malaysia, I believe. Like twinning. I personally know of 2 friends whose kids (one a daughter and the other a son) went that way, graduated from Auckland U, in the same batch actually, and are now working as housemen in NZ. Take a look.<BR/><BR/>I do not know what your chances are to get in there, but you may also like to know that education in Germany is free, even for foreigners - perhaps you can have a look. Good luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com