1 00:00:00,490 --> 00:00:04,670 Speaker 1: This is a podcast from BFM 89.9. The business station, 2 00:00:05,780 --> 00:00:09,818 Speaker 1: the BFM Breakfast Grill connecting you to top people and 3 00:00:09,829 --> 00:00:14,779 Speaker 1: ideas powered by you. Mobile, Malaysia's number 15 G network. 4 00:00:15,369 --> 00:00:18,360 Speaker 2: Good morning. You're listening to the breakfast grill. I'm Shaza Mukhtar. 5 00:00:18,690 --> 00:00:21,870 Speaker 2: Help University is one of the pioneer homegrown private higher 6 00:00:21,879 --> 00:00:26,520 Speaker 2: education institutions in Malaysia established nearly 40 years ago. How 7 00:00:26,530 --> 00:00:30,319 Speaker 2: has it navigated the changing landscape of Malaysian tertiary education? 8 00:00:30,520 --> 00:00:33,580 Speaker 2: We discussed the trajectory of the industry and the fortunes 9 00:00:33,590 --> 00:00:36,509 Speaker 2: of the health education group with Professor Dato, Doctor Paul 10 00:00:36,520 --> 00:00:40,848 Speaker 2: Chan co-founder and Chancellor of help University Da Good morning. 11 00:00:40,860 --> 00:00:44,450 Speaker 2: Welcome back to the breakfast grill. Now let's begin with 12 00:00:44,459 --> 00:00:47,089 Speaker 2: a little bit of history because you set up help 13 00:00:47,098 --> 00:00:48,418 Speaker 2: institute in 1980 14 00:00:48,529 --> 00:00:51,770 Speaker 2: six with your wife Datin Low Kamo to provide affordable 15 00:00:51,779 --> 00:00:55,619 Speaker 2: quality educational opportunities for Malaysians. Now, over the course of 16 00:00:55,630 --> 00:00:58,729 Speaker 2: 38 years, the help of brand has grown into a 17 00:00:58,740 --> 00:01:03,509 Speaker 2: full fledged university and also spawned a bigger education empire 18 00:01:03,520 --> 00:01:06,470 Speaker 2: spanning primary and secondary schooling as well. 19 00:01:06,720 --> 00:01:09,580 Speaker 2: So walk me through the evolution of help as an 20 00:01:09,589 --> 00:01:13,779 Speaker 2: education brand. How much of this progress was planned, plotted 21 00:01:13,790 --> 00:01:20,539 Speaker 2: out versus happenstance I spent about 5455 years in education. 22 00:01:21,459 --> 00:01:25,099 Speaker 2: Earlier part of my life was spent in the academy, 23 00:01:25,680 --> 00:01:29,059 Speaker 2: in particular, with the University of Malaya. I spent about 24 00:01:29,069 --> 00:01:32,589 Speaker 2: 22 years there. It was a long time and one 25 00:01:32,599 --> 00:01:37,849 Speaker 2: day we thought of doing something that is somewhat different, 26 00:01:38,580 --> 00:01:43,889 Speaker 2: especially in the context of the challenge that many Malaysians 27 00:01:43,900 --> 00:01:50,589 Speaker 2: could not find access to appropriate and affordable tertiary education. 28 00:01:51,110 --> 00:01:56,120 Speaker 2: So I left my job, a very good one as 29 00:01:56,129 --> 00:02:01,919 Speaker 2: a university lecturer and my wife left M ID F. 30 00:02:02,639 --> 00:02:04,309 Speaker 2: We have no idea about 31 00:02:04,870 --> 00:02:08,919 Speaker 2: the idea of a vision, mission values and so on. 32 00:02:09,949 --> 00:02:12,858 Speaker 2: But both of us had a very strong conviction 33 00:02:13,690 --> 00:02:18,529 Speaker 2: and that is to help people succeed in life and 34 00:02:18,538 --> 00:02:24,500 Speaker 2: to live a life of significance through education. So our 35 00:02:24,520 --> 00:02:29,100 Speaker 2: vision and our conviction is the same how to 36 00:02:29,788 --> 00:02:36,960 Speaker 2: create an opportunity for people at the margin of students 37 00:02:36,970 --> 00:02:40,710 Speaker 2: in need for, for whatever reasons could not get access 38 00:02:40,720 --> 00:02:44,369 Speaker 2: to higher education. We borrow about 25,000 ring it to 39 00:02:44,380 --> 00:02:48,850 Speaker 2: start help, which by the way stands for higher education 40 00:02:49,020 --> 00:02:54,649 Speaker 2: learning philosophy. In fact, I wrote the first advertisement in 41 00:02:54,660 --> 00:02:57,399 Speaker 2: the star full page help is here 42 00:02:57,960 --> 00:03:02,179 Speaker 2: and the phone never stopped ringing because people are wondering 43 00:03:02,190 --> 00:03:07,779 Speaker 2: whether we are, we were mental institution. Truly. What does 44 00:03:07,788 --> 00:03:12,240 Speaker 2: this help about? It's a funny name. And at one point, I, 45 00:03:12,250 --> 00:03:16,160 Speaker 2: I almost lost my confidence about the name, but then 46 00:03:16,169 --> 00:03:20,779 Speaker 2: I told myself it, it's something that is meaningful, especially 47 00:03:20,788 --> 00:03:24,929 Speaker 2: during the time when we started, it was a recession time. 48 00:03:25,399 --> 00:03:27,740 Speaker 2: So help is a very meaningful 49 00:03:28,729 --> 00:03:33,240 Speaker 2: name for an institution like ours because at one time 50 00:03:33,250 --> 00:03:36,880 Speaker 2: we felt helpless. So now we are helpful, we help people. 51 00:03:37,149 --> 00:03:39,899 Speaker 2: It's a very apt brand and it's a brand that 52 00:03:39,910 --> 00:03:44,160 Speaker 2: you've managed to grow in the higher education landscape. But 53 00:03:44,169 --> 00:03:44,580 Speaker 2: as men, 54 00:03:44,779 --> 00:03:48,929 Speaker 2: the landscape has dramatically changed, there are over 500 private 55 00:03:48,940 --> 00:03:52,089 Speaker 2: institutions in higher education right now, that's registered with the 56 00:03:52,100 --> 00:03:56,059 Speaker 2: Malaysian Qualifications Agency. Over 90 of them are private universities. 57 00:03:56,070 --> 00:03:58,960 Speaker 2: At least 10 of them are foreign brand universities. So 58 00:03:58,970 --> 00:04:04,220 Speaker 2: how has that affected? Helps market share? I suppose we 59 00:04:04,229 --> 00:04:07,770 Speaker 2: are very confident about what we do 60 00:04:08,449 --> 00:04:13,309 Speaker 2: because of our conviction in our mission and in the 61 00:04:13,330 --> 00:04:17,109 Speaker 2: in our values. Remember we start that as a social 62 00:04:17,119 --> 00:04:21,179 Speaker 2: business enterprise, each year we help to the tune of 63 00:04:21,190 --> 00:04:27,019 Speaker 2: about 30 million ring it to support various disadvantaged groups 64 00:04:27,029 --> 00:04:30,790 Speaker 2: of students in needs and so on. So in that context, 65 00:04:31,230 --> 00:04:35,350 Speaker 2: we have a very high self esteem about our culture, 66 00:04:36,040 --> 00:04:39,500 Speaker 2: about the way we develop our culture of learning and 67 00:04:39,510 --> 00:04:44,299 Speaker 2: address the needs of the nation. And each individual, about 68 00:04:44,850 --> 00:04:52,169 Speaker 2: 160,000 or more individuals have gone through. Help each achiever 69 00:04:53,109 --> 00:04:58,440 Speaker 2: improves the well being and the economics of the family 70 00:04:58,519 --> 00:05:01,368 Speaker 2: and therefore the community and therefore the nation, 71 00:05:02,299 --> 00:05:08,359 Speaker 2: we welcome challenges from all institutions and not just Malaysian, 72 00:05:08,369 --> 00:05:10,179 Speaker 2: but now it's all globalized 73 00:05:11,029 --> 00:05:11,859 Speaker 2: let me say 74 00:05:12,928 --> 00:05:15,630 Speaker 2: our conviction was to offer opportunities 75 00:05:16,410 --> 00:05:22,820 Speaker 2: to everyone. Surely we are happy that other institutions are 76 00:05:22,829 --> 00:05:29,790 Speaker 2: doing likewise. Otherwise we will deny our basic belief that 77 00:05:29,799 --> 00:05:34,589 Speaker 2: our purpose is to help people. So it is true 78 00:05:34,600 --> 00:05:41,470 Speaker 2: that when there's more competition, the market share will be smaller, 79 00:05:41,950 --> 00:05:44,428 Speaker 2: but there are 8 billion people in this world. 80 00:05:45,238 --> 00:05:48,959 Speaker 2: It is up to us. Therefore, to be creative, to 81 00:05:48,970 --> 00:05:57,779 Speaker 2: be entrepreneurial, to be innovative, to make use of various enablers, technology, space, 82 00:05:57,790 --> 00:06:00,019 Speaker 2: economic space and so on to address 83 00:06:00,279 --> 00:06:03,670 Speaker 2: so many segments of 8 billion people. So we should 84 00:06:03,678 --> 00:06:08,100 Speaker 2: not only think of Grand Valley Malaysia, we think beyond. 85 00:06:08,428 --> 00:06:12,238 Speaker 2: So it's really a broad segment that you are looking 86 00:06:12,250 --> 00:06:15,279 Speaker 2: to to attract as students of help university. Can you 87 00:06:15,290 --> 00:06:18,260 Speaker 2: talk to me about the split between local and international 88 00:06:18,269 --> 00:06:21,380 Speaker 2: students at help? We do not have a very large 89 00:06:21,390 --> 00:06:27,589 Speaker 2: international community, about 15 20%. It has been somewhat constant 90 00:06:28,109 --> 00:06:30,058 Speaker 2: uh for for a long time. 91 00:06:30,549 --> 00:06:36,299 Speaker 2: But in view of digitalization and the possibility of working 92 00:06:36,309 --> 00:06:39,779 Speaker 2: with global partners, we are growing that sector. 93 00:06:40,459 --> 00:06:46,119 Speaker 2: We do not simply want to set up uh campuses 94 00:06:46,290 --> 00:06:50,750 Speaker 2: programs overseas because we are very particular about our governance. 95 00:06:51,160 --> 00:06:54,519 Speaker 2: Growing has a lot of pains. It's not that easy, 96 00:06:54,529 --> 00:06:58,200 Speaker 2: you know, size matters, but 97 00:06:58,690 --> 00:07:02,950 Speaker 2: small is also beautiful. OK, so we do not always 98 00:07:02,959 --> 00:07:06,970 Speaker 2: think about market share but quality share, quality share, that's 99 00:07:06,980 --> 00:07:10,410 Speaker 2: what matters. So we now move into, for example, the 100 00:07:10,440 --> 00:07:12,309 Speaker 2: Apple Q program for adults 101 00:07:12,880 --> 00:07:16,029 Speaker 2: and we are the largest player in the market. So 102 00:07:16,040 --> 00:07:20,899 Speaker 2: going into adult learning, lifelong learning, essentially getting older student 103 00:07:21,359 --> 00:07:26,500 Speaker 2: learning because especially in the context of the new age 104 00:07:26,690 --> 00:07:31,399 Speaker 2: and particularly the pandemic, the recession, we have to upskill 105 00:07:31,410 --> 00:07:35,850 Speaker 2: reskill the adult population and look at the demographics. We 106 00:07:35,859 --> 00:07:39,109 Speaker 2: live a longer life. I'm 81 by the way, I'm 81. 107 00:07:39,119 --> 00:07:41,670 Speaker 2: You do not look 81. Thanks so much and 108 00:07:41,970 --> 00:07:44,700 Speaker 2: and I'm still learning, you know, so our lifespan is 109 00:07:44,709 --> 00:07:48,109 Speaker 2: very long and as long as we are physically fit, 110 00:07:48,429 --> 00:07:57,140 Speaker 2: emotionally resilient, mentally strong and intellectually sharp, every human being 111 00:07:57,149 --> 00:08:02,570 Speaker 2: should continue the journey of lifelong experiential learning. OK? I 112 00:08:02,579 --> 00:08:06,260 Speaker 2: can see how help is diversifying its target market really 113 00:08:06,269 --> 00:08:10,070 Speaker 2: expanding beyond maybe the traditional school lever. But also now 114 00:08:10,079 --> 00:08:11,619 Speaker 2: looking at like you said, 115 00:08:11,880 --> 00:08:15,399 Speaker 2: experiential lifelong learning, which really opens up the enrollment for 116 00:08:15,410 --> 00:08:18,420 Speaker 2: the university, I do want to talk about the courses 117 00:08:18,429 --> 00:08:20,929 Speaker 2: that you offer. So if I understand it uh help 118 00:08:20,940 --> 00:08:24,100 Speaker 2: university offers courses in 16 fields of study across six 119 00:08:24,109 --> 00:08:27,720 Speaker 2: academic faculties. What's missing is a science program? Is this 120 00:08:27,730 --> 00:08:30,299 Speaker 2: a conscious choice, I suppose for help university to stay 121 00:08:30,309 --> 00:08:33,729 Speaker 2: out of the science field? Actually, we did have a 122 00:08:33,739 --> 00:08:38,460 Speaker 2: subsidiary college that offered the pharmacy engineering and so on. 123 00:08:38,469 --> 00:08:40,500 Speaker 2: For some reason, we have divested, 124 00:08:41,599 --> 00:08:45,140 Speaker 2: we are therefore not a comprehensive university. It's not that 125 00:08:45,150 --> 00:08:49,099 Speaker 2: we do not recognize the importance of science and engineering 126 00:08:49,890 --> 00:08:55,289 Speaker 2: at the foundation level A levels and the uh 127 00:08:55,659 --> 00:08:59,309 Speaker 2: our own foundation courses, we do offer the stem and 128 00:08:59,320 --> 00:09:03,719 Speaker 2: such like courses. But we recognize that our strengths are somewhere. 129 00:09:04,010 --> 00:09:07,489 Speaker 2: So we would prefer to work with foreign universities and 130 00:09:07,500 --> 00:09:13,039 Speaker 2: send our students to top universities. Our strong partners, they 131 00:09:13,049 --> 00:09:15,770 Speaker 2: can take care of the remaining years because they are stronger, 132 00:09:15,780 --> 00:09:18,630 Speaker 2: they have more resources and so on. So to run 133 00:09:18,640 --> 00:09:23,250 Speaker 2: a university involves very high fixed costs 134 00:09:23,690 --> 00:09:26,510 Speaker 2: and it can be a burden if you are not careful. 135 00:09:26,719 --> 00:09:29,780 Speaker 2: So the move into some of these areas now may 136 00:09:29,789 --> 00:09:32,940 Speaker 2: not be our deliberate choice for some time. But it 137 00:09:32,950 --> 00:09:36,380 Speaker 2: does not mean we cannot enter into the health care 138 00:09:36,390 --> 00:09:38,869 Speaker 2: and some other important 139 00:09:39,239 --> 00:09:43,520 Speaker 2: uh industry services, but it will be done very differently, 140 00:09:43,530 --> 00:09:47,329 Speaker 2: it will be done digitally. So in that way, we 141 00:09:47,340 --> 00:09:54,179 Speaker 2: can enter this other technology driven areas. For example, we 142 00:09:54,190 --> 00:09:58,119 Speaker 2: will be moving very fast into the A I cyber 143 00:09:58,130 --> 00:10:02,900 Speaker 2: security and programs related to the EG and so on, 144 00:10:03,140 --> 00:10:06,520 Speaker 2: but not necessarily having degrees. It 145 00:10:06,940 --> 00:10:11,189 Speaker 2: because such technology age very fast. So it will be 146 00:10:11,200 --> 00:10:15,820 Speaker 2: in the form of professional development, certification courses and so 147 00:10:15,830 --> 00:10:19,450 Speaker 2: on so that the people are immediately upskill reskill and 148 00:10:19,460 --> 00:10:22,228 Speaker 2: enter the job market immediately. Ok. So I can see 149 00:10:22,239 --> 00:10:24,750 Speaker 2: how you help university is positioning itself in a very 150 00:10:24,760 --> 00:10:28,619 Speaker 2: agile way, really capitalizing on those partnerships with other universities 151 00:10:28,630 --> 00:10:31,108 Speaker 2: and foreign universities to provide a wide 152 00:10:31,195 --> 00:10:35,614 Speaker 2: range of courses of training for the Malaysian populace. You 153 00:10:35,625 --> 00:10:38,854 Speaker 2: are right? Because we must be smart in our business 154 00:10:38,864 --> 00:10:43,094 Speaker 2: model as we address the need for academic excellence. No 155 00:10:43,104 --> 00:10:46,684 Speaker 2: universities can afford to do all sorts of things, but 156 00:10:46,695 --> 00:10:50,534 Speaker 2: we can work with partners and access their strengths and 157 00:10:50,544 --> 00:10:55,375 Speaker 2: we therefore synergize or Synovate, synergy and innovate together. 158 00:10:56,030 --> 00:10:59,130 Speaker 2: I like the creation of new words that how do 159 00:10:59,140 --> 00:11:02,329 Speaker 2: you determine the partners that you work with? What's the criteria? 160 00:11:02,340 --> 00:11:05,590 Speaker 2: I think the most important would be relevance. Are they 161 00:11:05,599 --> 00:11:10,709 Speaker 2: relevant to us? Number two, the culture, do they understand us? 162 00:11:10,719 --> 00:11:15,569 Speaker 2: And we understand them? Because a partnership is based on trust, 163 00:11:15,580 --> 00:11:21,140 Speaker 2: trust enables a relationship, a business model to function. When 164 00:11:21,150 --> 00:11:23,830 Speaker 2: we talk about education, it's not about getting some numbers 165 00:11:23,840 --> 00:11:25,489 Speaker 2: for the next week, for the next year. 166 00:11:25,979 --> 00:11:29,820 Speaker 2: It has to be sustained for years. So the the 167 00:11:29,830 --> 00:11:33,940 Speaker 2: partners we choose therefore must be relevant in the areas 168 00:11:33,950 --> 00:11:36,520 Speaker 2: that we are not strong in, but we are strong 169 00:11:36,530 --> 00:11:40,500 Speaker 2: in certain areas and we complement them and we help 170 00:11:40,510 --> 00:11:43,919 Speaker 2: them to refine, shall we say 171 00:11:44,219 --> 00:11:47,718 Speaker 2: the culture of, of teaching and learning in the context 172 00:11:47,729 --> 00:11:52,719 Speaker 2: of the needs of the Malaysian society, our nation. And 173 00:11:52,729 --> 00:11:55,580 Speaker 2: of course, in the, in the context of us in Asia, 174 00:11:55,590 --> 00:11:59,949 Speaker 2: because we have inbound students. When we choose partners, there 175 00:11:59,960 --> 00:12:05,270 Speaker 2: must be not necessarily the very top but programs that 176 00:12:05,280 --> 00:12:10,799 Speaker 2: are relevant, entrepreneurial and if possible, not bureaucratic, 177 00:12:11,729 --> 00:12:14,359 Speaker 2: it is very difficult to work with bureaucracies. 178 00:12:15,549 --> 00:12:19,169 Speaker 2: I'm speaking to Professor Doctor Paul Chan co-founder and Chancellor 179 00:12:19,179 --> 00:12:22,169 Speaker 2: of help University. When we come back, we'll discuss financial 180 00:12:22,179 --> 00:12:25,869 Speaker 2: sustainability and rankings. Stay tuned. PFM 89.9 181 00:12:26,099 --> 00:12:26,479 Speaker 1: you 182 00:12:26,489 --> 00:12:29,549 Speaker 1: are listening to the breakfast grill brought to you by 183 00:12:29,559 --> 00:12:32,250 Speaker 1: you Mobile Malaysia's number 15 G 184 00:12:32,260 --> 00:12:33,630 Speaker 1: network. Thanks for staying 185 00:12:33,640 --> 00:12:36,179 Speaker 2: tuned to the breakfast grill. I'm Shaza Mokhtar. And with 186 00:12:36,190 --> 00:12:38,609 Speaker 2: me on the show today is Professor Dato, Doctor Paul 187 00:12:38,619 --> 00:12:42,320 Speaker 2: Chan co-founder and Chancellor of help University. Now, earlier on DATO, 188 00:12:42,489 --> 00:12:45,150 Speaker 2: we were talking about uh the genesis of help university, 189 00:12:45,344 --> 00:12:48,765 Speaker 2: how it's evolved and how you look to remain agile 190 00:12:48,775 --> 00:12:51,655 Speaker 2: and adapt to the demands of the industry and the economy. 191 00:12:51,744 --> 00:12:54,455 Speaker 2: If I look at the publicly available financial records of 192 00:12:54,465 --> 00:12:58,534 Speaker 2: help university, which uh I have until the year 2022 193 00:12:58,684 --> 00:13:01,494 Speaker 2: the university made a loss after tax of some 6.7 194 00:13:01,505 --> 00:13:05,444 Speaker 2: million ring gate compared to 1.1 million lost the year prior. 195 00:13:05,455 --> 00:13:07,705 Speaker 2: What is the reason for such a stark hit to 196 00:13:07,715 --> 00:13:11,794 Speaker 2: the bottom line? Ok. Like many other universities and colleges, 197 00:13:11,804 --> 00:13:14,804 Speaker 2: the pandemic actually hit us quite badly. 198 00:13:15,369 --> 00:13:16,099 Speaker 2: Uh 199 00:13:16,890 --> 00:13:20,260 Speaker 2: but we are recovering very fast. All all our group 200 00:13:20,270 --> 00:13:23,949 Speaker 2: is doing well, but it is the university part that 201 00:13:23,960 --> 00:13:28,450 Speaker 2: was affected. So as I said, now things are happening 202 00:13:28,460 --> 00:13:29,590 Speaker 2: differently 203 00:13:30,010 --> 00:13:32,890 Speaker 2: and we are very confident that this would not be 204 00:13:32,900 --> 00:13:36,978 Speaker 2: a big problem to us. Was this due to lower enrollment? 205 00:13:36,989 --> 00:13:39,500 Speaker 2: Was it down to the dropping of student numbers in 206 00:13:39,510 --> 00:13:43,020 Speaker 2: particular foreign students and and also because of the high 207 00:13:43,030 --> 00:13:46,770 Speaker 2: cost of looking after our staff, we never take any staff, 208 00:13:46,780 --> 00:13:49,479 Speaker 2: we make sure that they are all well taken care of. 209 00:13:49,650 --> 00:13:53,319 Speaker 2: You didn't. Yeah, of course, we still subsidize them in 210 00:13:53,330 --> 00:13:56,679 Speaker 2: the in the highest studies, including the Children, the extended 211 00:13:56,690 --> 00:13:57,679 Speaker 2: family and so on. 212 00:13:57,900 --> 00:14:01,239 Speaker 2: So the pandemic actually has hit us quite badly in 213 00:14:01,250 --> 00:14:06,570 Speaker 2: terms of incurring unnecessary costs and so on. So what 214 00:14:06,580 --> 00:14:09,119 Speaker 2: we are trying to do now is to ensure that 215 00:14:09,130 --> 00:14:12,339 Speaker 2: our fixed costs will not expand out of proportion. 216 00:14:12,750 --> 00:14:15,309 Speaker 2: We want to make sure most of the costs would 217 00:14:15,320 --> 00:14:18,968 Speaker 2: be variable cost. So in that way, we can handle it. Ok, 218 00:14:19,419 --> 00:14:26,320 Speaker 2: we have no problem about reviving our, our strengths and 219 00:14:26,330 --> 00:14:30,929 Speaker 2: numbers in view of new programs, especially the Apple Q 220 00:14:30,940 --> 00:14:34,679 Speaker 2: program for Adults. How about fees? Have you had to 221 00:14:34,690 --> 00:14:37,789 Speaker 2: increase fees in recent years, especially in light of post 222 00:14:37,809 --> 00:14:39,729 Speaker 2: pandemic inflation and such 223 00:14:40,270 --> 00:14:43,510 Speaker 2: every industry has increased its fees. How much have you 224 00:14:43,520 --> 00:14:48,400 Speaker 2: increased your fees? We actually are very gentle because perhaps 225 00:14:48,409 --> 00:14:53,200 Speaker 2: we are too compassionate or empathetic about the needs of 226 00:14:53,210 --> 00:14:56,369 Speaker 2: our nation. We have increased fees but not as much 227 00:14:56,380 --> 00:14:57,039 Speaker 2: as some 228 00:14:58,020 --> 00:15:04,380 Speaker 2: other industries have. We still continue to offer bursaries to 229 00:15:04,390 --> 00:15:07,830 Speaker 2: help students in need and so on. But our fee 230 00:15:07,840 --> 00:15:12,280 Speaker 2: increases is not such that it hurts people but it 231 00:15:12,289 --> 00:15:13,950 Speaker 2: depends on the program. Yeah. 232 00:15:14,429 --> 00:15:18,150 Speaker 2: Now how important are rankings to you da because help 233 00:15:18,159 --> 00:15:21,159 Speaker 2: university isn't present in the times higher education rankings. But 234 00:15:21,169 --> 00:15:23,229 Speaker 2: please correct me if I'm wrong. And even in the 235 00:15:23,239 --> 00:15:26,070 Speaker 2: QS university rankings, you're only listed in the Asia and 236 00:15:26,080 --> 00:15:29,250 Speaker 2: Southeast Asia segment. I think you're 74th in Southeast Asia 237 00:15:29,260 --> 00:15:32,530 Speaker 2: and in the top 500 in Asia. Does this lack 238 00:15:32,539 --> 00:15:37,039 Speaker 2: of presence in the rankings detract from help universities appeal? Ok. 239 00:15:37,049 --> 00:15:39,070 Speaker 2: This is one aspect 240 00:15:39,890 --> 00:15:43,909 Speaker 2: of the way ranking and rating is done. We are 241 00:15:43,919 --> 00:15:47,840 Speaker 2: very strong in our teaching. So our focus has always 242 00:15:47,849 --> 00:15:51,619 Speaker 2: been on teaching excellence and we do not have a 243 00:15:51,630 --> 00:15:56,229 Speaker 2: big budget to do research. And number three, since we 244 00:15:56,239 --> 00:15:59,219 Speaker 2: are not a comprehensive university, we don't have 245 00:16:00,010 --> 00:16:03,539 Speaker 2: a huge staff, academic staff and having 246 00:16:04,250 --> 00:16:08,630 Speaker 2: a large number of faculties that can publish you. So 247 00:16:08,880 --> 00:16:12,570 Speaker 2: that part affected our ranking. But we have very strong 248 00:16:12,580 --> 00:16:16,820 Speaker 2: QS rating in various other areas, all of them, five 249 00:16:16,830 --> 00:16:20,840 Speaker 2: star and so on. And in the Malaysian context, we 250 00:16:20,849 --> 00:16:25,919 Speaker 2: are in the comp competitive area. The competitive ranking means 251 00:16:25,929 --> 00:16:27,950 Speaker 2: that we are number one in 252 00:16:28,219 --> 00:16:31,799 Speaker 2: different criteria that MQ has set up. So we are 253 00:16:31,809 --> 00:16:36,280 Speaker 2: actually very good but except that we are punished service 254 00:16:36,289 --> 00:16:40,239 Speaker 2: or penalized in the area of research and so on. 255 00:16:40,479 --> 00:16:43,140 Speaker 2: But that doesn't mean that we are not. 256 00:16:44,049 --> 00:16:48,809 Speaker 2: In fact many other universities have complained about this ranking 257 00:16:48,820 --> 00:16:53,650 Speaker 2: which has become highly commercialized and distracts us from our 258 00:16:53,659 --> 00:16:59,210 Speaker 2: basic role. Our basic role is to educate quality young 259 00:16:59,219 --> 00:17:02,770 Speaker 2: people to become achievers in the industry. 260 00:17:03,520 --> 00:17:06,150 Speaker 2: Let's end on this note that because it is Teachers 261 00:17:06,160 --> 00:17:08,550 Speaker 2: Day uh and I do want to spend some time 262 00:17:08,560 --> 00:17:12,589 Speaker 2: reflecting on the importance of training educators. Where are the 263 00:17:12,599 --> 00:17:16,149 Speaker 2: gaps that you see in ensuring Malaysian educators are skilled 264 00:17:16,160 --> 00:17:19,369 Speaker 2: to the highest levels? What do you think we need 265 00:17:19,380 --> 00:17:21,219 Speaker 2: to improve? I suppose to make sure that we have 266 00:17:21,229 --> 00:17:24,219 Speaker 2: the right educators in our system? I think those are 267 00:17:24,239 --> 00:17:25,790 Speaker 2: in education, 268 00:17:26,718 --> 00:17:28,848 Speaker 2: choose, choose the mission. 269 00:17:29,579 --> 00:17:32,329 Speaker 2: It is very important that when we choose to be 270 00:17:32,339 --> 00:17:38,479 Speaker 2: an educationist, whether it's doing early childhood education all the 271 00:17:38,489 --> 00:17:43,119 Speaker 2: way to a supervising phd. There's a very strong commitment 272 00:17:43,530 --> 00:17:45,560 Speaker 2: that we truly, 273 00:17:46,410 --> 00:17:52,400 Speaker 2: truly believe that we change the world by changing human beings. 274 00:17:52,890 --> 00:17:55,750 Speaker 2: So there is a very strong commitment on our part 275 00:17:55,760 --> 00:17:58,989 Speaker 2: and accountability that we must, first of all 276 00:18:00,010 --> 00:18:03,430 Speaker 2: be self learners. If you are not willing to learn 277 00:18:03,439 --> 00:18:06,469 Speaker 2: every day. And I really mean it every day, then 278 00:18:06,479 --> 00:18:10,119 Speaker 2: we cannot be good teachers and teaching is not about 279 00:18:10,130 --> 00:18:18,150 Speaker 2: formal assessment, transmitting knowledge per se. It's a total experience 280 00:18:18,510 --> 00:18:21,890 Speaker 2: at any moment in time because they are dealing with 281 00:18:21,900 --> 00:18:24,589 Speaker 2: another human being with lots of emotion. 282 00:18:25,010 --> 00:18:28,919 Speaker 2: We have to evolve as a human being first, as 283 00:18:28,930 --> 00:18:33,839 Speaker 2: a human being, dealing with another human being. If that 284 00:18:33,849 --> 00:18:36,919 Speaker 2: is not understood, we cannot become a teacher. You may 285 00:18:36,930 --> 00:18:40,219 Speaker 2: have all the phd S, all the publications, but it 286 00:18:40,229 --> 00:18:45,329 Speaker 2: does not mean having all the peer review journals articles. 287 00:18:45,339 --> 00:18:47,849 Speaker 2: You can be a great teacher. It's not true at all. 288 00:18:48,530 --> 00:18:49,899 Speaker 2: So on Teachers Day, 289 00:18:50,910 --> 00:18:53,938 Speaker 2: I just want to say this, we choose to become 290 00:18:53,949 --> 00:18:59,119 Speaker 2: a teacher. Nobody forces us. And therefore it is our 291 00:18:59,130 --> 00:19:02,280 Speaker 2: duty to do a first class job. 292 00:19:03,349 --> 00:19:07,609 Speaker 2: It is our duty. When the student fails, we fail, not, 293 00:19:07,619 --> 00:19:08,488 Speaker 2: he fails. 294 00:19:09,199 --> 00:19:12,369 Speaker 2: Do you think there is something in the economy of 295 00:19:12,380 --> 00:19:16,979 Speaker 2: today that in which teaching as a profession is seen 296 00:19:16,989 --> 00:19:19,979 Speaker 2: as lesser? Are you worried about that? That perhaps we're 297 00:19:19,989 --> 00:19:22,660 Speaker 2: not having the right quality, the right people with the 298 00:19:22,670 --> 00:19:26,369 Speaker 2: mindset and mission that you just spoke about. They're not 299 00:19:26,380 --> 00:19:28,930 Speaker 2: entering the profession in the way that they used to. 300 00:19:28,939 --> 00:19:33,500 Speaker 2: Very often, we are reminded about finan the nation that has, 301 00:19:34,650 --> 00:19:38,310 Speaker 2: that has a great culture and education. In fact, many 302 00:19:38,339 --> 00:19:39,669 Speaker 2: experts say 303 00:19:40,420 --> 00:19:42,919 Speaker 2: the best talents move into education. 304 00:19:44,209 --> 00:19:49,650 Speaker 2: Unfortunately, not so in many countries and many majors to 305 00:19:49,660 --> 00:19:51,089 Speaker 2: become a teacher 306 00:19:52,119 --> 00:19:57,500 Speaker 2: because they lack other opportunities or because it's easier half 307 00:19:57,510 --> 00:20:01,650 Speaker 2: a day or whatever. Of course, that's wrong. On the 308 00:20:01,660 --> 00:20:04,780 Speaker 2: other hand, I think there are many stakeholders 309 00:20:05,880 --> 00:20:10,579 Speaker 2: that or who should be involved to improve the OS situation. 310 00:20:10,910 --> 00:20:13,959 Speaker 2: I think the most important thing and is one of 311 00:20:13,969 --> 00:20:18,380 Speaker 2: our first values, is pride of achievement, pride of achievement. 312 00:20:18,729 --> 00:20:21,899 Speaker 2: When you become a teacher, you must be highly motivated 313 00:20:21,910 --> 00:20:25,180 Speaker 2: to become a great teacher. But on the other hand, 314 00:20:25,189 --> 00:20:30,180 Speaker 2: if the services, the facilities, the salaries 315 00:20:30,959 --> 00:20:36,349 Speaker 2: are not appropriate, that's quite the motivational and they cannot 316 00:20:36,359 --> 00:20:37,500 Speaker 2: help people because 317 00:20:39,180 --> 00:20:42,880 Speaker 2: like it or not, we still have to survive in, in, in, 318 00:20:42,890 --> 00:20:47,619 Speaker 2: in this economic situation where the inflation is very bad 319 00:20:47,630 --> 00:20:50,959 Speaker 2: and so on. So the role of the government and 320 00:20:50,969 --> 00:20:55,170 Speaker 2: various bodies, PDA all this come in, you know, but 321 00:20:55,180 --> 00:20:57,800 Speaker 2: we must make the profession 322 00:20:58,670 --> 00:20:59,160 Speaker 2: uh 323 00:21:00,900 --> 00:21:04,599 Speaker 2: something that people want to rush in 324 00:21:05,910 --> 00:21:07,349 Speaker 2: because as certain 325 00:21:08,390 --> 00:21:15,869 Speaker 2: uh opportunities for personal fulfillment, but the basic remuneration must 326 00:21:15,880 --> 00:21:21,050 Speaker 2: be there, the opportunity to improve through further degrees must 327 00:21:21,060 --> 00:21:26,089 Speaker 2: be there. And so on Singapore, the new Prime Minister 328 00:21:26,099 --> 00:21:32,810 Speaker 2: recently announced a huge scheme to re invent Singapore and 329 00:21:32,819 --> 00:21:36,040 Speaker 2: they subsidized heavily. All those 330 00:21:36,359 --> 00:21:42,459 Speaker 2: adult Singaporeans age 40 above. Lots of financial assistance, lots 331 00:21:42,469 --> 00:21:48,170 Speaker 2: of opportunities for them to, to upskill rescue. So similarly, 332 00:21:48,180 --> 00:21:51,339 Speaker 2: I think our government tries very hard but we can 333 00:21:51,349 --> 00:21:56,819 Speaker 2: re look at the the whole teaching profession and upgrade 334 00:21:56,829 --> 00:22:01,540 Speaker 2: the status teachers should be proud, they should be proud, 335 00:22:01,550 --> 00:22:04,459 Speaker 2: you know, because they create our future 336 00:22:05,069 --> 00:22:08,630 Speaker 2: agreed 100% DATO. Thank you very much for speaking with 337 00:22:08,640 --> 00:22:11,319 Speaker 2: me and as a teacher yourself, happy teachers day to you, 338 00:22:12,010 --> 00:22:15,459 Speaker 2: to all teachers. I've been speaking to professor Dato, Doctor 339 00:22:15,469 --> 00:22:18,589 Speaker 2: Paul Chan co-founder and chancellor of help university. This has 340 00:22:18,599 --> 00:22:20,449 Speaker 2: been the breakfast grill on BFM 80 341 00:22:20,459 --> 00:22:21,989 Speaker 1: 9.9 beyond 342 00:22:22,000 --> 00:22:26,479 Speaker 1: Financial Mastery, the breakfast grill with you Mobile biz Malaysia's 343 00:22:26,650 --> 00:22:31,219 Speaker 1: number 15 G network. Five G Makes Business Sense. 344 00:22:32,109 --> 00:22:36,209 Speaker 1: You have been listening to a podcast from BFM 89.9. 345 00:22:36,219 --> 00:22:39,209 Speaker 1: The business station for more stories of the same kind. 346 00:22:39,219 --> 00:22:40,849 Speaker 1: Download the BFM app.