GEORGE TOWN, PENANG, April 2016 – Resilience and sustainability in societies are key concepts that can be effectively developed through education and higher education.

The Chairman of Secretariat, Global Higher Education Forum (GHEF) 2016, Professor Dr.Wan Mohd.Fauzy Wan Ismail said that for these concepts to drive the development of higher education, there is a need to consider using technology to widen access and equity to education.

“Besides that, we also need to understand the constant changing ecology and environment while being flexible in adapting to the changes, and at the same time appreciating differences and diversity,” he said.

These were the considerations presented at the end of the three-day Global Higher Education Forum (GHEF) 2016 themed The Role of Higher Education in Developing Societal Resilience and Sustainability held here recently.

Wan Mohd. Fauzy also said that as the public higher education is going through tremendous changes, higher education systems and institutions are bound to face many challenges ahead.

“The functions and role of higher education need to change in relation to developing the agenda for resilience and sustainability in research, education and service.

“There will be structural challenge of how universities operate which requires new forms and models to be developed,” he added further.

To overcome these challenges, he suggested that the state and higher education institutions should encourage local collaboration and consider introducing policies and strategies that are in line with local practice.

“Local collaboration and consolidation of resources helps to achieve greater efficiency, focusing on trans-disciplinary approach towards problem solving,” he said.

Furthermore, he explained that the capacity building of the next generation of students, academic, researchers and scholars should be fostered with the capabilities of being resilient and possessing the skills and competencies required for the future.

As part of the efforts to keep up with the times, Wan Mohd. Fauzy urged the increase of utilising science and technology to widen access and equity to education, at the same time, envisioning the future and anticipating it needs.

The presentation of GHEF 2016 recommendations and way forward was followed by the closing ceremony, officiated by the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) who is also the Chairperson of GHEF 2016 Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman, and attended by local and foreign stakeholders.

Text: Elezise Oh Ming Han (USM Internship Student)