Private institutions of higher learning (IHLs) have become increasingly significant players in advancing national agendas worldwide, through research, education, and innovation.
Private universities often have more flexibility in terms of funding, which enables them to develop specialized programmes to address the country's specific needs.
They also offer a diverse range of programmes that cater to the needs of students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
Private IHLs have a social responsibility to the nation they operate in. These institutions strive to develop well-rounded individuals who are not only academically inclined but also possess the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to society.
They provide a platform for students to engage in community service activities, social entrepreneurship, and volunteer work. Through these activities, students will gain a better understanding of the issues facing their communities and develop a sense of social responsibility.
Private IHLs have been facing significant financial challenges in recent years, leading to concerns about their sustainability. In the United States, many private institutions have struggled to maintain financial stability, with several facing the risk of closure.
According to a report by Moody's Investors Service, small private colleges are at the highest risk of closure due to declining enrolments and increasing operating costs.
To address financial stability concerns, private IHLs have developed various fundraising strategies to secure funding from external sources.
For instance, Harvard University, one of the world's most prestigious private institutions, has a successful fundraising campaign called "The Harvard Campaign".
Launched in 2013, the campaign raised US$9.6 billion by June 2018, the largest ever fundraising campaign by any educational institution. The campaign's success was attributed to a wide range of factors, including effective marketing and donor engagement strategies.
Private IHLs have also been investing in infrastructure and faculty to enhance the quality of education and research. For example, the American University of Beirut (AUB) has invested in the construction of a new engineering building, which includes state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to support research and innovation.
The university has also recruited top-notch faculty members from across the globe to enhance its academic programmes.
Efficient financial management is crucial for private IHLs to achieve financial stability. The University of Tokyo, a leading private institution in Japan, implemented a financial management system that focuses on optimizing resource allocation and cost reduction.
The system has enabled the university to maintain financial stability despite declining government funding.
Private IHLs have made significant contributions to national agendas worldwide. For instance, Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government has trained many government officials who have gone on to lead in various capacities.
The Asian Institute of Management in the Philippines offers programmes that focus on social entrepreneurship, which addresses the country's economic challenges. In the UAE, the Khalifa University of Science and Technology has developed innovative solutions that have helped the country become a global leader in renewable energy.
Limited funding is a significant challenge faced by private IHLs globally. In the US, private colleges and universities, which account for 19 per cent of all higher education institutions, rely heavily on tuition fees to support their operations, resulting in financial vulnerability.
In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, leading to decreased enrolment rates and financial difficulties for many private institutions.
According to a report by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, the fall 2020 undergraduate enrolment at private non-profit colleges
decreased by 3.9 per cent, while public institutions saw a decline of only 0.4 per cent.
To overcome funding challenges and support the Malaysian government's goals of providing higher education and promoting sustainable energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten), a Government Link University and private university, has taken a determined stance.
In 2023, Uniten offered over RM60 million worth of scholarships to financially disadvantaged B40 and M40 students, empowering them to pursue their academic aspirations.
Additionally, Uniten hired 200 postdoctoral researchers from various parts of the world, specializing in the energy field, making it the IHL with the highest number of postdoctorates in Malaysia.
This praiseworthy initiative aligns with the visions of Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and will contribute to the nation's capacity building and development.
With its unwavering commitment, Uniten is one of Malaysia's leading IHLs, working tirelessly to support the nation's growth and development.
Another strategy used by private IHLs to contribute more effectively to national agendas is to focus on specialized programmes that address the country's specific needs.
For example, Singapore Management University (SMU) established the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, which offers a Master in Public Policy programme that focuses on Asian development.
This programme provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the social and economic challenges faced by Asian countries, contributing to national development.
Collaboration between private and public institutions has also proved to be an effective strategy for private IHLs to contribute to national agendas.
For instance, the African Leadership University (ALU) has partnered with various organizations to support its mission of producing ethical and entrepreneurial leaders for Africa.
In partnership with IBM, ALU launched a flagship programme that offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree, focused on training students in artificial intelligence and data science.
This programme addresses the specific needs of the African continent and provides solutions to social and economic challenges faced by African countries.
In conclusion, private institutions of higher learning play a significant role in advancing national agendas worldwide.
Examples from Harvard, the Asian Institute of Management, and the Khalifa University of Science and Technology demonstrate how private IHLs are contributing.
Despite the challenges they face, private IHLs have made significant contributions to society through research, education, and innovation.
To contribute more effectively to national agendas, private IHLs must develop effective strategies and establish partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
Collaborative efforts between private and public institutions can lead to innovative solutions to overcome social and economic challenges, ultimately contributing to national development.
As such, private IHLs are vital partners in advancing national agendas and shaping the future.
* The author is the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten); Professor of Universiti Malaya, and a Fellow of Academy of Sciences Malaysia. He may be reached at azuan@uniten.edu.my