#Malaysia #Kuala Lumpur #university rankings #AppliedHE #Education Asia

AppliedHE's Inaugural Asia University Rankings: A New Era for Education

In a groundbreaking initiative, AppliedHE has launched the AppliedHE Public & Private University Rankings: ALL ASIA. This marks the first comprehensive ranking covering both public and private universities across Asia, highlighting a commitment to placing student voices and employability outcomes at the center of its methodology. The results were unveiled at the AppliedHE Xchange event held at Sunway University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a key gathering of higher education leaders and industry partners from around the region.

This annual conference aims to foster dialogue around the evolving landscape of higher education in Asia, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced evaluation model that prioritizes student-centric criteria. The launch of these rankings addresses the demand for deeper insights into the quality of education, moving beyond conventional reputational metrics.

Ranking Methodology and Insights

A total of 493 universities from 41 countries braved the rigorous assessment process for this inaugural ranking. The evaluation criteria were diverse, comprising six integral dimensions including:

• - Community Engagement
• - Employability
• - Student Satisfaction
• - Research Excellence
• - Internationalisation
• - Peer Recognition

These metrics collectively ensure that the new ranking presents a balanced view. It captures not only academic standing but also the holistic student experience and contribution to societal value by both public and private institutions.

Countries such as Indonesia (73 ranked institutions), the Philippines (60), and Malaysia (44) led the charge, demonstrating the regional commitment to advancing higher education standards. For instance, India and South Korea contributed 29 and 28 universities respectively, showcasing a broad spectrum of academic excellence across Asia.

Top Private Universities in Asia

1. Yonsei University (South Korea)
2. Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) (South Korea)
3. Korea University (South Korea)
4. Hanyang University (South Korea)
5. Waseda University (Japan)
6. Sunway University (Malaysia)
7. Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) (South Korea)
8. American University of Sharjah (UAE)
9. UCSI University (Malaysia)
10. Kyung Hee University (South Korea)

Top Public Universities in Asia

1. University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong SAR)
2. National University of Singapore (NUS) (Singapore)
3. Peking University (China)
4. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) (Singapore)
5. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Saudi Arabia)
6. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) (Hong Kong SAR)
7. Tsinghua University (China)
8. City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) (Hong Kong SAR)
9. Qatar University (Qatar)
10. Fudan University (China)

Celebrating Diversity in Higher Education

According to Mandy Mok, the founder and CEO of AppliedHE, the motivation behind initiating this ranking stemmed from recognizing the disconnect in existing university rankings, which often overlook the realities that students face. In her words, "With ALL ASIA, we're creating a ranking that listens to students and emphasizes what truly matters: employability, quality education, and real-world engagement."

Moreover, Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President of Sunway University, remarked on the significance of this initiative, noting that the ranking exemplifies the diversity and excellence within Asian universities. It underscores Sunway University's vision to foster impactful research and collaborations that address societal needs and develop talents for a globalized world.

A Focus on Student Voices

A distinctive feature of the AppliedHE ALL ASIA Ranking is its focus on gathering insights from students and alumni. This is achieved through structured surveys that assess:

• - Teaching and learning experiences
• - Campus support services
• - Career guidance
• - Online learning quality

By incorporating such feedback, the ranking embraces a reality that values the lived experiences of learners, thus enriching the academic landscape.

In conclusion, the AppliedHE Public & Private University Rankings: ALL ASIA is set to redefine how educational institutions are evaluated across the continent. By giving equal weight to both public and private universities and prioritizing student experiences, AppliedHE is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable landscape for the future of education in Asia.