THE philosophy of our education, from kindergarten to university, as defined by Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan (FPK or National Education Philosophy), is to produce “insan sejahtera” (balanced and harmonious individuals) who would in turn contribute to the harmony and betterment of humanity.
Unfortunately, from the capitalistic view, serving the philosophy does not contribute to the generation of wealth; in other words, bad for our economy.
The industries, on the other hand, are considered more important as they provide wealth for the government, reduce our imports and improve exports, and provide employment opportunities.
Now, with the dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), no one is spared from the pressures to adapt and change, especially the universities. This is because universities are appreciated mainly as the training centres for the industries.
Today, universities are being audited and ranked based on graduates’ employability. Academic programmes with low employability rate, regardless of their intellectual importance, are scrutinised and often stopped.
The courses have to be designed based on the input from industries so that students are competent enough to serve the industries. University degrees endorsed by industries are promoted as more valuable as they provide better job opportunities.
Meanwhile, academics at universities, regardless of how knowledgeable they are, are being questioned for their industrial working experience. Young academics are sent out to be mentored by the chief executive officers of the industries.
In the universities, successful CEOs (i.e. wealthy CEOs) are being promoted as icons for students. They are appointed as advisors and directors to shape the direction of the universities.
In research, universities are praised if they secure the grant and sponsorship from the industries. Collaborations and co-authorship with the industries are given merit points. Commercialisation by the industries and wealth generation are set as the primary goal of academic research.
The question is, at what cost?
If the goal of universities’ education is all about employability and making money, how can we instil happiness, love and mutual respect? How can we fight intolerance and prejudices in society? How can we fight for equality and promote shared prosperity? How can we overcome the widening gap of economic inequality?
We have to change and must change now. Universities must be allowed to assume their role as the champion of knowledge and values without constraints. Education curriculum must be based on the FPK that aims to produce insan sejahtera and not the adept worker.
Policies must be put in place to get the industries and universities to work together on the same page — all for the benefit of humanity.
YASIR MOHD MUSTAFAH
Kuala Lumpur