Developing a framework of internationalization for higher education institutions in Malaysia: a SWOT analysis

Abstract

Higher education internationalisation has been understood in terms of the interchanging of idea networking, cultures, knowledge, and values. Internationalisation is a significant indicator for quality in higher education which has been attracting the interest of scholars throughout the world. The purpose of this study is to develop a framework of internationalisation for the higher education sector in Malaysia. This paper includes a Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) internationalisation SWOT analysis for decision-making Malaysian international HEIs. The paper reveals that it is important for Malaysia to promote itself as an 'education hub' in South-East Asia. However, there are some issues and challenges regarding HEIs internationalisation in the Malaysian context. Malaysia should seek comprehensive, attractive and supportive student packages to engage a larger number of international students. Malaysia, like other developing countries, is striving to take its higher educational system to a higher level of performance. This study is among few attempts to conduct SWOT analysis within HEIs in Malaysia.