The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) recently directed higher education institutions to embed values-based education (VBE) in the curriculum, presenting the opportunity for educators, policymakers, industry leaders and students to work together in building an ecosystem that can shape Malaysia’s future. VBE in this context focuses on the need to embed universal values such as respect, integrity and accountability as part of every student’s learning journey. These values are not abstract ideals but rather, practical competencies that guide students on transitioning into their careers, engaging socially and contributing towards nation-building. Integrating VBE into higher education curriculum, however, cannot be an act of adding more content to an already comprehensive syllabus. Values can be integrated into existing courses through practical approaches such as case studies, ethical scenarios and reflective tasks.

Source: The Star January 11, 2026 07:15 UTC