---

Private Education division, Ministry of Education Malaysia

Introduction

The Private Education division (PED) is one of the seven divisions under the Education Operations Sector, Ministry of Education Malaysia. The primary function of the Private Education division, also known as Bahagian Pendidikan Swasta (BP Swasta) is to plan, monitor and regulate the development of the country's private education at the pre-tertiary level.

Vision

In line with the Ministry of Education Malaysia's vision, the PED hopes to ensure that private educational institutions (PEI) in Malaysia provide quality education that would fulfill the manpower needs of the country and support Malaysia's aspiration of becoming a centre of educational excellence.

Mission

The PED aims to facilitate the development of world class private education in Malaysia.

Motto

Our motto "Smart Partnership Towards Quality Education" reflects the existing strong cooperation between PED and PEI towards making Malaysia a Centre of Educational Excellence.

Objectives

• To ensure that the policies, planning and direction of private education are in line with the National Education Philosophy, the Five Year Plan of Malaysia, and the national vision.
• To ensure that all PEIs are registered and abide by the laws and regulations stipulated in the Education Act 1996 (Act 550).
• To ensure an efficient and effective monitoring and enforcement system.
• To ensure that the infrastructure and education provided by PEIs are of high quality and adhere to standards.
• To ensure that the education provided by the PEIs is of world class quality and relevant.
• To support the government's aim of making Malaysia a Centre of Educational Excellence that offers quality world class education.
• To facilitate private education as a viable industry.

Strategies Towards Achieving PED's Aims

Conducive teaching and learning environment

• Ensure that the quality of teachers, curriculum, pedagogy, extra curricular activities, educational facilities and amenities are well maintained.
• Ensure competitive rates in the private education sector.

Implementation of Quality Educational Programmes

• Supervise and monitor the establishment of PEIs and the administration of new courses of study, in relation to the following aspects:
  - Feasibility of premise
  - Location
  - Quality management
  - Offer of quality and relevant courses of study
  - Cooperation with established and renowned institutions
  - Setting-up of branch institution of an established or renowned institution.
• Strengthen the role of monitoring.
• Strengthen the cooperation between PED, PEI and other relevant agencies involved.

Increase promotional activities for PEI

• Organise and involve PEIs in overseas missions such as international exhibitions, Malaysia Education Exhibition and other promotional activities.
• Facilitate school linkages and cooperation for PEIs with educational institutions within the country and abroad.

Roles of PED

Under the Education Act 1996 (Act 550), the role of PED includes the following:

Setting of Policies and Directions for Private Education
The PED is entrusted with formulating policies and strategies on PEIs that will provide the framework for the development of PEIs in providing quality education.

Ensuring Quality Private Educational Institutions
In ensuring that quality education is being provided, the Education Act 1996 (Act 550) empowers PED to regulate the operation of PEIs.

To ensure the provision of quality education and safeguard the interests of the public, the following activities are carried out:

• Regular general monitoring
• Regular monitoring based on the Code of Practice which includes:
  - marketing and advertising of PEIs
  - fee structure of educational programme
  - premise and educational infrastructure
  - registration of the PEI with the State Education Department
  - new study programmes
  - members of the Board of Governors and the Constitution
  - registration of the Heads of Institution
  - appointment of academic staff

Facilitating the Establishment of PEIs
Upon receiving an application for the establishment of a PEI, the PED will thoroughly evaluate the application according to standard procedures. The purpose is to ensure that all requirements have been complied with.

Before approving the application, PED will conduct inspection of premise to ascertain its suitability for educational purposes. The inspection visit also verifies the physical existence of the premise.

Monitoring and Enforcing Legislation
The tool for monitoring and enforcing standards of PEI is based on the Education Act 1996 (Act 550).

The main purpose of ensuring the provision of standards is to safeguard the interest of the various stakeholders, particularly that of the students. The Act also stresses the importance of providing quality education to suit the current needs of both local and international students in line with the country's development as well as in fulfilling the country's aspiration to make Malaysia a hub of educational excellence.

Advisory Services
The PED also provides advisory services on the establishment of PEIs and other related matters, in accordance to the provision under the Education Act 1996 which includes the operational and governance aspects of PEIs.

Data and Information
PED gathers data and information pertaining to all PEIs registered with the Ministry of Education, which serves as useful reference to policy makers, educationists, researchers as well as students. The PED also maintains its own website to enhance communication and provide better distribution of information to PEIs. The latest and most relevant information are posted on the website from time to time.

The Malaysian Education Promotion and Export
In order to achieve the government's goal of making Malaysia a Centre of Educational Excellence, PED has formulated various promotional plans and strategies. One of these strategies is to participate in education exhibitions to promote Malaysian education abroad. This is aimed at getting more international students to study in the PEIs in Malaysia such as in international schools, private schools and language centres.

PED also plans to aggressively promote the Malaysian pre-tertiary education overseas in ASEAN countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar and Vietnam; Middle East countries like Iran, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia; as well as in selected countries in Africa.