Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) is enhancing its strategic coordination and proactive monitoring mechanisms with local and international professional bodies to effectively address issues related to the recognition of overseas graduate study programmes. Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Adam Adli Abd Halim, emphasized that this initiative includes creating a comprehensive record of Malaysian students studying abroad to monitor and ensure the accreditation and quality of their academic pursuits.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the move is crucial to prevent the recurrence of technical issues concerning the recognition of professional bodies, as experienced by four pharmacy graduates from Alexandria University in Egypt. The issue arose due to a change in the programme's name, which was not communicated to the Malaysian Pharmacy Board, despite recognition continuing at the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) level.

In response to a supplementary question from Senator Norhasmimi Abdul Ghani during an oral question and answer session at the Dewan Negara, Adam Adli highlighted the importance of a monitoring mechanism for all professional programmes abroad. This mechanism aims to foster coordination between educational institutions, recognition agencies, and professional bodies, following the incident involving the graduates.

Adam Adli further noted that the MQA, in collaboration with professional bodies, is tasked with regulating the quality assurance process of programmes offered by local higher education providers through a Joint Technical Committee. He also mentioned that the registration of graduates as professional practitioners, whether from Malaysia or abroad, is governed by relevant laws and regulations.

He advised overseas graduates to verify and apply for professional registration with the appropriate professional bodies. Graduates may be required to fulfill additional criteria, such as clinical training, practical training periods, professional examinations, or competency assessments, to qualify for registration.