Developing N.19 Likas as Education Hub

–By Datuk Dr Joseph Lee

PBS Supreme Council Member and Head of PBS Likas Division

• According to Knight (2011): “An education hub is a planned effort to build a critical mass of local and international actors who deliver a range of cross-border education activities and services that generate economic and social benefits for the host country” ⁶.
• Benefits of an education hub are varied such as attracting talent, enhancing the quality and reputation of local education institutions, fostering innovation and research, creating jobs and income, and promoting cultural diversity and exchange. Some of the known successful education hubs in the world are found in Singapore, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Botswana ⁶²⁸.
• We need to identify the challenges and opportunities for developing an education hub in Likas, such as the level of competition, the availability of resources, the regulatory framework, the quality assurance system, the market demand, and the social and environmental impact. We will use SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) to assess Likas constituent and compare it with other potential or existing education hubs.
• My vision for this education hub( EH) is to create a World Class Knowledge Convergence Centre of International Standard. My strategy will get Malaysia and Sabah government to work with international education players.
• Based on my analysis, there are challenges and opportunities at hands which we will define in details. We have also outline the goals, objectives, actions, indicators, and timelines for our strategy.
• The roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders, such as the government, the education institutions, the private sector, the civil society, and the international partners will be defined clearly.
• We use SMART framework (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) to ensure our strategy is realistic and effective.
• In concusion, education is basic to human civilization. This is the time we need to take action. The benefits of becoming an education hub for Likas is enormous, such as spin off business opportunities. It’s also an urgent call for action due to the urgency of this matter.