HIGHER Education Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin today reminded higher education institutions in the country not to be too obsessed with the university ranking system.

He said many articles have been published about the ranking system, and even international bodies such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation have expressed concern about it.

“It is not possible to measure all universities in general because each university was created for different goals,” he said after officiating at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital’s (HUSM) 40th anniversary at the main hall, USM Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kota Baru today.

“The measure used may be suitable for developed countries (but) not suitable for most other countries. So the ranking can only be used to see where the position is, but not as a basis for a university to be excellent, of quality or not.”

HUSM, which has been operating since 1983, has produced more than 2,000 cross-disciplinary medical experts through various evolutions in performing its functions as a university teaching hospital (HPU) and offering health services to the community.

Earlier, in his speech, Khaled urged all HPUs in the higher education system to cooperate and share resources, expertise and move strategically.

“Thus, the field of medicine advanced by the higher education sector will become larger, competitive, comprehensive and cohesive,” he said. – Bernama, November 19, 2023.