LETTERS: RECENT concerns about the publication of substandard research articles by Malaysian academics has heightened the concerns about the quality of higher education and academicians in the country.
A contributing factor is insufficient mentorship between seasoned and emerging scholars.
Most individuals who enter into the world of academia perceive teaching as the primary role of the profession. However, the challenging reality of publish or perish sinks in, a task for which early-career researchers are often inadequately prepared.
Mentorship plays an important role in sustaining knowledge creation and professional growth of academics towards strengthening and enhancing research quality.
Some examples include guiding an intern in a company or coaching early career researchers to publish high quality research papers that would enhance the quality of life of our communities.
Mentorship is a two-way street. Early-career researchers as mentees are encouraged to be more vocal and voice their willingness to learn and stay receptive.
To optimise the benefits of mentorship, it is crucial to adopt certain strategies.
First, knowing exactly what one wants to achieve from a mentorship will help the academician find the right mentor who can meet expectations and steer him or her forward.
Exploring mentorships across different disciplines can offer unique insights and broaden one's outlook in the field. Next, seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Be proactive and take the initiative to attend seminars or training that would upskill knowledge in research or the area of expertise, as well as participate in online forums to network with successful individuals to enhance one's knowledge and learning experience.
Finally, be humble in the face of success. It is a virtue that drives continuous learning and achievements.
Thus, the mentorship concept provides a foundation towards reducing substandard research publications.
Experienced academics have the responsibility to guide, inspire and challenge mentees to improve and achieve integrity in research.
Mentorship is a pathway to academic excellence and creating a society with integrity, humility and quality.
DR SERENA LEOW,
School of Arts, Sunway University
PROFESSOR LONG CHIAU MING,
School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times