Should Malaysian universities prioritise teaching skills over PhDs?

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Prioritising Teaching Skills Over PhDs in Malaysian Universities is Debatable

Malaysian universities face a complex challenge in balancing the emphasis on PhD qualifications and publication records with the need for effective teaching skills. While a recent Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) rule mandates PhDs for many academic positions, and universities pursue high publication metrics to boost international rankings, this approach may overlook many competent educators and is not universally applicable across all disciplines. The effectiveness of these stringent criteria in identifying excellent lecturers is questioned, particularly in practitioner-oriented fields.
The Rise of PhD and Publication as Hiring Necessities

In recent years, most Malaysian universities have made holding a PhD and possessing a strong publication record almost prerequisites for new hires. This trend is partly driven by a Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) rule, implemented approximately two to three years ago, which enforces PhD requirements for certain academic roles. Consequently, individuals with extensive teaching experience but lacking a relevant PhD may find it difficult to secure interviews, regardless of their proven dedication and skill.
International Rankings and Monetary Incentives

The adoption of publication metrics, often measured by the H-index, by many private institutions is closely linked to improving their standing in international university rankings such as QS and Times. A higher ranking can lead to an increase in student enrollment, particularly from overseas, which in turn has significant financial implications for these institutions. This pursuit of rankings is a primary motivator for universities to highlight their academic achievements and staff qualifications.
Overlooking Skilled Educators and Practitioner-Oriented Fields

A significant concern is that the stringent focus on PhDs and publications may lead to the overlooking of many capable lecturers and teachers who hold Master's degrees or are not prolific publishers but excel in communicating knowledge and inspiring students. Furthermore, in disciplines like journalism, video production, teaching, and graphic design, which are practitioner-oriented, a strong publication record may not accurately reflect a candidate's expertise or effectiveness. The practical skills and industry experience in these fields are often more critical than academic output.
Questioning the Correlation Between Qualifications and Teaching Ability

The current hiring practices raise questions about the actual correlation between possessing a PhD and being a good lecturer. It is debated how many individuals who meet the stringent criteria of having the correct PhD and a high publication record also possess the essential qualities of effective teaching, such as classroom engagement, patience, and the ability to connect with students. The article suggests that this narrow focus might be creating an unnecessary barrier, potentially limiting the pool of talented educators and the quality of education students receive.

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Should Malaysian universities prioritise teaching skills over PhDs?

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