Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
SDG 16 Indicator
16.2 – University Governance Measures
16.2.3 – Identify and Engage with Local Stakeholders
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) subjects to the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) which contains provisions for the establishment, maintenance and administration of universities and public university colleges.
The Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Amendments in 2019) is a Malaysian law that regulates the administration, establishment, and governance of universities and university colleges in Malaysia.
In line with the regulations stipulated in AUKU, UKM has developed Guidelines for the Appointment of External Advisors and External Examiners to identify and engage with local stakeholders.
GUIDELINES FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF EXTERNAL ADVISORS AND EXTERNAL EXAMINERS
Guidelines Statement
UKM is committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of its academic programs to meet the standards set by national and international educational bodies, align with industry needs, and support the university’s mission and vision. To achieve this, UKM mandates the engagement of qualified External Advisors and External Examiners who bring expertise from alumni networks, industry sectors, government agencies, sponsoring bodies, and academic institutions, both locally and internationally.
These external stakeholders provide essential oversight and feedback at all stages of program development, implementation, and review, ensuring that UKM graduates are equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to excel in their fields. External Advisors offer strategic insights and recommendations on program structure, curriculum, and academic resources, while External Examiners uphold assessment standards and evaluate program outcomes against national and global benchmarks.
These guidelines act as prosedure upholds a rigorous selection, engagement, and review process for External Advisors and Examiners, ensuring transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement of UKM’s academic programs. Feedback mechanisms and scheduled assessments are integral to this process, fostering a responsive and adaptive academic environment that prepares students for success and meets stakeholder expectations.
Key highlights of the guidelines
- Roles and Appointments:
- External Advisors are responsible for providing suggestions at the developmental, implementation, and review stages of a program. They must include representatives from alumni, industry, government agencies, and academia, with a minimum of 15 years of experience.
- External Examiners focus on evaluating academic standards, aligning them with national qualifications, and suggesting improvements based on best practices. They typically come from prominent universities, preferably international institutions.
- Evaluation Scope:
- Evaluations cover administrative leadership, curriculum design, student progress, graduate competency, and employability. This also includes physical infrastructure and long-term program feedback.
- Implementation Methods:
- Data analysis, both qualitative and quantitative, is used to monitor and assess program outcomes. Input from stakeholders like students, alumni, and employers is integral to this process.
- Follow-Up Actions:
- After receiving feedback, academic units must act within six months, justifying any non-implemented recommendations to the relevant authorities.
- Policy Created: 2020
- Policy Reviewed: 2021
By using these guidelines as a foundation, UKM can foster meaningful partnerships with local stakeholders. This approach not only aligns programs with real-world expectations but also reinforces UKM’s role as a responsive institution within its local community.