University Governance Structure in Challenging Times: The Case of Malaysia’s First APEX University (Universiti Sains Malaysia)

Abstract

The current era of globalization and the subsequent internationalization of higher education are undoubtedly the two main influencing factors determining the developmental path of higher education systems and institutions in both developed and developing countries. Apparently, many higher education systems and institutions, especially those from the emerging economies, are positioning themselves in the global higher education landscape through networks, student mobility programs, and other academic exchanges with developed countries. Generally, globalization induces competition between high-ranking education systems and institutions, rather than inspiring capacity building wherein ‘capacity building’ refers to intentional, coordinated, and mission-driven efforts aimed at strengthening the management and organizations to improve their performance and impact. This occurs through development, strategic planning, program design and evaluation, board development, financial planning and management. There is an increasing desire among higher education institutions (HEIs) and governments for data that compares institutions and indicates standards as they attempt to attract the best students and academic staff (Hazelkorn 2008a). In addition, for the consuming public, there is a demand for transparency and information that have not been forthcoming from the HEIs and governments (Hazelkorn 2008a). Naturally, this environment led HEIs to devise and implement global rankings to facilitate status-building ambitions while providing information to the public.