Growing up, the importance of education has been impressed on us. We’re often urged to get diplomas, degrees and master degrees because it could take us far in life. However, what’s one to do when the university isn’t able to gain accreditation for its courses?
Students of LimKokWing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) are currently facing such a dilemma. In a press conference held yesterday (3rd May), it was revealed that the accreditation was revoked by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) for failing to maintain certain quality standards required by the authorities.
According to the student representatives, this has left over 800 foreign and local students helpless and uncertain of their future. “We enrolled at this university under the impression that it provides high quality education but unfortunately, this was not the case,” one said. They went on to explain that numerous bachelors, MBA (Masters of Business Administration degree) and PhD courses have had their accreditation revoked by the MQA. The students, once they knew of the revoked accreditation, have been chasing the university management for the past few years. However, they have only been given false promises and hollow assurances.
A foreign student, known as Mohamad explained that the accreditation for his MBA was revoked in 2019. He was then told he could finish the course, but his qualification might not be recognised in Malaysia. This frustrated students who felt that their tuition fees and time have been wasted. The student representatives have urged the university to quicken the accreditation process. If they are unable to do so, the students will push for compensation.
Aside from their accreditation being revoked, international students have discovered their visas have expired. They have applied for their visa renewals but their applications have been delayed. Although no reason was given, students believe the visas were rejected due to a delay on the university’s part. Their concern is very valid as they will not have the appropriate documents if they are stopped by the police.
“For last year (since the revocation) until now, remedy action has not been taken or if they have taken any, it’s not good enough to persuade MQA to give them (LimKokWing university) full accreditation,” former deputy education minister Teo Nie Ching said. She suggested the university take immediate corrective actions and reapply for accreditation. “I hope that LimKokWing can sort this out for its students,” DAP’s Kulai lawmaker added.
Last night (3rd May), the university posted an announcement on their Facebook page. They stated that they were taking steps to restore accreditation for eight of its programmes. They were given 30 days following a “recent audit” to amend and resubmit the eight programmes for accreditation. The university announced they have already done so and are confident the eight programmes will be put back on track.
Hopefully, these students will leave LimKokWeng University with more than just a piece of paper.
