Collaboration is the new normal

THE Covid-19 pandemic has rattled higher learning institutions (HEIs) worldwide, causing most if not all to face financial strain.

According to a recent article – “UK Universities Hit by Virus” – British universities are under the severe financial strain of an estimated 800mil pounds due to the lockdown which started in March.

Malaysian HEIs, especially privately funded ones, are not spared.

They face a potential decline in revenue and would have to reconfigure their business to cope.

The new normal for HEIs would be to greatly enhance collaboration with local and international industries and businesses to be more sustainable as well as to cater to international students.

Collaboration in research and development is also expected to increase.

In light of the pandemic, there are two major worries for the higher education sector – one has to do with the core business of teaching where close human contact in the traditional classroom has to be avoided, and the other is the challenging issue of whether students have the capacity to pay tuition fees amid job losses and business closures occurring on a daily basis.

This is where government support is imperative as tertiary education prepares talents which benefit the nation.

The rising fear among people to gather, travel for vacations and further their studies overseas, has impacted the intake in HEIs.

What are the possible scenarios for higher education post Covid-19?

Projecting the potential scenarios post Covid-19 is one way to strategise.

Knowing the potential scenarios, universities are in a better position to plan, mitigate the risks and capture new opportunities.

There will be a decline in international students who may be wary of studying overseas or who are facing mobility issues.

This presents an opportunity for HEIs to tap into the local market.

Meanwhile, the increase in remote work is an opportunity which will make learning more rewarding for both staff and students.

But this is challenging without strong broadband support.

Meanwhile, HEIs – which mainly target students pursuing undergraduate programmes – are contemplating diversifying their revenue sources and transforming the business model.

Many are also thinking of conducting programmes for matured working students, not only for postgraduate programmes, but also for professional courses.

PROF DATUK DR AHMAD IBRAHIM Academy of Science Fellow