The Asian education landscape is being transformed by women leaders. They are in charge of programs that aim to increase educational fairness, lessen gender inequities in educational opportunities, and boost educational standards. As educational exposure becomes more global in this part of the world, leading institutions are employing women leaders at the forefront. One such institution is INTEC Education College. For more than 40 years, INTEC Education College has offered top-notch post secondary and professional accounting programs. Several government organizations have chosen INTEC as the location for their scholarship recipients to enroll in the pre-university programs and the American Degree Transfer Program. While a reputed institution since its inception, INTEC's influence has grown since the appointment of a dynamic and visionary Chief Executive, Dr. Roshayani Arshad, who, through her dedication to academic excellence, has brought INTEC to new levels of achievement.
Early Beginnings
Dr. Roshayani began her career as an academician who spent a lot of time undertaking research and consultancy projects. Her stint as a senior research fellow with Permodalan Nasional Berhad provided her with vital insights into how education may empower entire communities, by shifting mindsets and building confidence. The research findings have informed her leadership perspective.
“I strongly believe that the success of a higher learning institution such as INTEC Education College is dependent on its capacity to evolve with the changing landscape of higher education, and its ability to collaborate. In the time that I have helmed INTEC as Chief Executive, I have prioritized an agenda to create opportunities for further
studies, targeting deserving students from orphanages and destitute families. We have established partnerships with corporate bodies who share our commitment to changing lives through education”, shares Dr. Roshayani Arshad, Chief Executive, INTEC Education College. Since 2021, the INTEC Shared Future project has given spots to 15 students studying business and accounting at INTEC. Tuition exemptions, free housing, meal allowances, and laptop computers are supplied to students to help them achieve academic success. Upon graduation, the college assists students to chart their academic or career pathways.
Gender equity is highly represented at INTEC. Two of the four top management roles are held by highly qualified women. Also, women constitute the vast majority of the college's academic faculty. “I have ensured that every position is filled by the most qualified individuals who are able to add value to the institution. Women have equal opportunities to fill all positions at the college. My commitment to ensuring greater equity in access to education has been shaped by the various initiatives I have been involved in throughout my career as an academic which spans over 30 years”, further adds Dr. Roshayani.
Overcoming Challenges to Inspire
As a leader of a globally renowned institution, Dr. Roshayani has to overcome a number of challenges everyday to ensure that the college continues to improve and evolve with the changing times. New leadership in higher education institutions provides opportunities for change and to learn and unlearn. Dr. Roshayani is therefore encouraging both academic and non-academic staff to adopt new ways of doing things that are based on good governance standards.
However, she is determined to bring about such reforms since she believes that advancing any organization requires strong administration. She has had success in implementing change in INTEC Education College by forming a team that shares her vision and using this team as a catalyst for launching change throughout the system.
Intec education college is committed to assisting Students on their career paths, ensuring That graduates are valued in a competitive Employment market
Another significant hurdle is to guarantee that every member of the academic staff is familiar with andragogy, the method and practice of teaching adult learners. A culture of continual professional development for academic employees is required, which must include andragogy training. At INTEC, a CPD plan is now in place, and there is a requirement to guarantee that every member of the academic staff clocks in enough training hours to be better ready to provide quality lectures. Dr. Roshayani is motivated by strong governance and transparent reporting techniques to address these and other obstacles. As a leader, she interacts with both academic and non-academic personnel, communicates difficulties, and keeps staff updated on activities made. She also encourages direct feedback and, if feasible, publicly recognizes every staff member's involvement in their ideas and achievements. She feels that making employees feel valued is essential for motivating them to do their best.
She inspires many by advising new leaders to look ahead. As inspiring as today's leaders may be, they cannot serve as role models for an unknown future. Young educators must equip themselves with the skills necessary to continue learning and adapt in uncertain times. She also tells young educators to compete against the finest in the world and aspire to be the best version of themselves. Nothing beats hard effort and dedication, and success follows.
Dr. Roshayani Arshad, CEO, INTEC Education College
Dr. Roshayani Arshad is Professor of Accounting and the Chief Executive of INTEC Education College. Prior to taking on her leadership position at INTEC she spent most of her years as an academic immersed in research. She led several impactful research initiatives in the areas of financial accounting and the reporting of sustainable investment and impact assessment. She led a consultancy project on Social Impact Assessment of Permodalan Nasional Berhad’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, and headed other related projects involving regulatory authorities in Malaysia. She champions equity in higher education and created the INTEC. Shared Future initiative to provide education opportunities to those who would not otherwise have had such access.
.jpg "Technology in Cancer Care: A story of evolving paradigms")
.jpg "Bringing Shop Floor to Manufacturer's palm: Smart Factory Solutions for tomorrow")
