In early 2013, the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) conducted a survey to gather feedback on the need to create a quality assurance network among higher education institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia. The result of the survey indicated a strong preference for such a network to be established in order to provide a formal platform for HEIs to communicate and interact with key stakeholders for matters pertaining to education quality.
In the ensuing meeting held on 18th September 2013, YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Syed Ahmad Hussein, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MQA mooted the formation of a quality assurance network to represent all HEIs in Malaysia. Fourteen HEIs were elected to the Pro Tem Committee. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, which was represented by Professor Ir. Dr. Shahrir Abdullah, Director of the Centre for Quality Assurance, was elected as Chairman of the Pro Tem Committee. Members agreed that the pro tem committee shall have an ex-officio member from the MQA.
The Pro Tem Committee was tasked to develop the code of ethics, vision, mission, membership and terms of reference of the network. These are to be tabled for member’s endorsement in a general meeting, to be held a year from 18th September 2013.
The first general meeting of the Malaysian Quality Assurance Network (MyQAN) was held on 30th September 2014. The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Pro Tem Committee. The meeting was attended by the Heads of Quality Assurance of HEIs in Malaysia. It was officiated by Ybhg Dato’ Dr. Syed Ahmad Hussein. The draft MyQAN Code of Ethics was presented by the Pro Tem Committee and subsequently endorsed by members. The present composition of Office Bearers and Committee Members were elected at this meeting for a term of two years.
MyQAN aims to nurture a sustainable and matured quality assurance system and culture among higher education institutions in Malaysia.