About

The Majlis Dekan Pengajian Siswazah (MDPS) — or Council of Deans of Graduate Studies — plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of postgraduate education in Malaysia. Established in 1998 through the initiative of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), MDPS began as a platform for Deans of Graduate Schools from Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTA) to exchange best practices, foster collaboration, and collectively address challenges in postgraduate education. The inaugural meeting, attended by six universities (UKM, UM, UTM, UPM, UUM, and UMS), laid the foundation for what would become a key advisory and policy-shaping body in Malaysia’s postgraduate landscape.

Over the years, MDPS has evolved from a discussion forum into an influential national council that significantly contributes to the formulation, enhancement, and harmonization of postgraduate policies and standards. In 2004, its leadership structure was formalized to rotate among member institutions, with the Chairing university also serving as Secretariat. Today, MDPS comprises 28 institutions, including both public universities and government-linked private universities, reflecting its broad and inclusive representation across the higher education sector.

MDPS’s contributions to postgraduate education are extensive and strategic. It serves as a referral and advisory body to the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE), providing critical input in shaping national policies and directions for postgraduate studies. Notably, MDPS submitted a strategic plan that contributed to the development of MOE’s Strategic Plan 2010 for postgraduate education. It has also actively engaged with MOE by offering expert recommendations and policy feedback, thereby reinforcing Malaysia’s aspiration to become a regional hub for postgraduate studies.

A hallmark of MDPS is its commitment to inclusive participation, where each member institution is encouraged to involve administrative officers in meetings to ensure operational follow-through and capacity building.

Through its proactive leadership, collaborative spirit, and close engagement with the MOE, MDPS has been instrumental in elevating the quality, coherence, and competitiveness of postgraduate education in Malaysia. Its strategic role ensures that Malaysia continues to advance as a preferred destination for high-quality postgraduate studies in the region.