Scrutinise academic credentials

IT IS gratifying to note that the Higher Education Ministry is taking steps to curb the use of fake academic titles and misuse of honorary doctorates.

Concerned educationists have formed a group to ensure that Malaysians practise a high standard of academic integrity. Educationists and training professionals are both morally and duty bound to set the right example on stating their qualifications specifically and honestly. It is about intellectual and professional integrity.

The group has compiled a list of professional trainers and management consultants having dubious PhD and DBA qualifications. This list will be forwarded to the Ministry of Human Resources and Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB). The group is prepared to publicly name and shame individuals who misrepresent their academic credentials.

By convention, recipients of honorary doctorates should not use the title of “Dr” as it is misleading and does not have the same standing as an earned doctorate. An honorary doctorate is not an academic qualification; it is an award for lifetime achievements. The proper way is to use the honorary doctorate title within brackets (Dr).

I urge the authorities to take concrete measures to ensure educationists and trainers do not misrepresent their academic credentials. PSMB should insist that all registered professional trainers should provide documentary evidence of their academic qualifications and those with doctorate degrees from unaccredited institutions be barred from using the “Doctor” title. Dr Ranjit Singh Malhi Kuala Lumpur