The distinctive, well-organized higher education system in Malaysia gives students the chance to pursue an international degree at affordable costs. More than 100 institutions, both public and private, are located here, including international campuses of prestigious universities. Every society needs the education sector because it gives people the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life, and leaders of educational institutions play an even bigger role in shaping lives. They are in charge of directing the creation and application of educational policies, curricula, and teaching strategies. Excellent educational leaders significantly influence the culture, outlook, and reputation of their institutions. They offer a solid foundation on which learning communities can run and develop.
One such inspiring leader is Dr. Farah Mazwina Bt Dato Abdul Hajis, Chief Executive of UNIKOP College. UNIKOP is one of Malaysia’s premier institutions of higher learning located in Cyberjaya reffered to as Malaysia’s silicon valley. The college has a long and interesting history, and is renowned for the quality of education offered to the students. UNIKOP College has contributed to the development of human capital requirements at the national level for approximately two decades. Under the supervision of the CEO, the college has flourished to greater heights than before, and continues to make strides in the achievement of long-term goals.
Background & Motivation
Upon completing her education as a medical doctor in 2009, Dr. Farah worked in multiple hospitals, however, her passion for education steered her into the academic field. She joined UNIKOP Kolej in 2019, when the institute lacked ample technological facilities. Strategizing plans to improve facilities and academic offerings, she set several milestones and was determined to achieve them. The college is owned by the Malaysia Police Cooperation, thereby enjoying the best resources to maximize the quality of education.
“When I was appointed as Chief Executive Officer I set several milestones in this journey which includes offering quality education through the quality of academic programs, providing a conducive environment for teaching & learning, training & establishing a great team of academicians, providing the superb support services and producing quality graduates”, shares Dr. Farah.
Aside from facility upgrades, academic programs at Kolej UNIKOP have all been validated and acknowledged by the Malaysian Qualification Agency and Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) (MQA). Since quality is the primary goal, all mature programs have Full Accreditation status from MQA by the year 2022. Additionally, under her leadership, Kolej UNIKOP received a double ISO certification in 2021–2022, namely, the Integrated Management System (IMS) as per ISO 9001:2015 and the (EOMS) as per ISO 21001:2018, in order to have continual performance improvement within the organization with a focus on excellence education programs that support educational mission and vision.
Redefining Education Methodologies
In her capacity as a pioneer in the field of education, Dr. Farah possesses a broad variety of experience, including an understanding of pedagogy, curriculum creation, educational research, and instructional design. Her expertise in leadership, management, and organizational development enables her to lead the institution towards success.
“I am redefining teaching methodologies by emphasizing student-centered learning, integrating technology into the classroom, promoting 21st-century skills, and using evidence-based practices to guide my teaching approaches. By embracing these approaches, education leaders can guarantee that my educational institution is delivering top-notch education to every student, equipping them with the necessary skills for achieving success in the 21st century.”, further adds Dr. Farah.
Dr. Farah and her team aim to meet the diverse learning requirements of their students by comprehending the different needs of their student council, creating appropriate frameworks, assessing the potential benefits and risks, and considering the associated costs.
As a proactive and passionate leader, she believes strongly that adaptability is the key to staying ahead of the ever-changing trends and needs affecting the educational sector. In order to continue on the path of success, she and her team take various measures like attending conferences, engaging with industry leaders and networking at various levels, and participating in professional organizations, such as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), the National Education Association (NEA), and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
Under the supervision of Dr. Farah Mazwina, UNIKOP has flourished to greater heights than before, & continues to make strides in the achievement of long-term goals
Inspiring future generations of educational leaders, Dr. Farah advises young people that becoming a successful leader requires a combination of skills, traits, and behaviors that can be learned and developed over time. Young people who aspire to become leaders in the future should focus on developing these skills and behaviors while continuously learning and improving. Adaptability and resilience are essential to becoming leaders in any field and traits which must be fostered in every individual.
Dr. Farah Mazwina Bt Dato Abdul Hajis, Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Farah Mazwina Bt Dato has been working as the CEO of UNIKOP Kolej since 2019. She has played a pivotal role in renovating the university from top to bottom since her joining. Before her academic career, she worked as a doctor in multiple hospitals for some years. Her passion for education led her to seek a career in academia, and it is what motivates her to constantly improve the facilities and academic offerings at UNIKOP.
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