USM, PENANG, November 2016 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has applauded the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) recent decision to set up a National Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Registry to curb the production and usage of fraudulent academic titles by individuals and organisations.

Its Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail said that the move should also be applauded by all Malaysians.

“USM strongly believes that the setting up of this information vault is timely to curb the increasing fraudulent academic titles particularly the PhD degree as the public will now have the access to verify information and deter bogus issuance of PhD titles,” she said.

She said many are tempted to add a fake “Dr.” to their name as it lends credence and legitimacy that could offer lucrative return, and at its worst, this could tarnish Malaysia's academic reputation altogether.

“This registry will act as a database to serve as an important awareness tool to assist the public and organisations in conducting due diligence process before calling, dealing, hiring, appointing or promoting any individuals with such a title,” Asma added.

“Hence the initiative undertaken by the ministry to establish a database for all PhD holders in the country is seen timely to curb this fraudulent behaviour.

“USM believes that the primary objective of MoHE’s initiative is to formulate deterrent measures and to send a clear signal that the Government is serious in combating the fraudulent academic titles,” she said.

She also hoped that all public universities will assist and cooperate with MoHE to register all their PhD graduates, and she believed that the registry will definitely play a vital role as an effective preventive tool to stop people from committing the academic fraud as it allows the public to check the details by a single click. 

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe