TPC-Digest-Vol-2-Iss-3

4 Melissa Ng Lee Yen Abdullah is a Senior Lecturer and See Ching Mey is Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the Universiti Sains Malaysia. Correspondence can be addressed to 1180 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, melissa@usm.my . Acknowledgement: The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support from RU Grant (1001/PGURU/816144) and also the assistance received from Dr. Daniel R. Collins and Dr. J. Scott Hinkle, as well as the contribution of all the AURA team members, in conducting this study. The Fundamental Lifestyle of a University Community: A Case Study of Higher Education in a Malaysian Institution–DIGEST Melissa Ng Lee Yen Abdullah See Ching Mey Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia are currently undergoing transformation to be recognized as world-class institutions and to turn the country into an international education hub. The National Higher Education Strategic Plan was launched in 2007, which sets forth the vision and strategic roadmap to transform the country’s higher education system for decades to come. Nevertheless, it is unclear to what extent the transformation measures have shaped the lifestyle of the university community. This study aims to fill in the gaps by identifying the lifestyles adopted by the university community. A case study method was used to conduct the investigation. A research-intensive university was selected as a sample case in this exploratory study. A total of 346 respondents have participated in this research on a voluntary basis. The participants consisted of higher administrators, academic staff, administrative officers, support staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students. The Behavioural Management Information System (BeMIS), an online assessment and reporting tool, was used to identify the lifestyles of the university community. The Professional Counselor Volume 2, Issue 3 http://tpcjournal.nbcc.org © 2012 NBCC and Affiliates, Inc. www.nbcc.org A b s t r a c t This study identified the fundamental lifestyles adopted by a university community in Malaysia. Rapid growth and expansion of higher education in Malaysia is inevitable as the country moves from a production-based economy to one that is innovative and knowledge-based, requiring the development of a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Research universities in Malaysia are leading the way in the generation of intellectual property and wealth for the country, as well as enhancing the quality of life of its people. A case study approach found that the university community’s lifestyle is focused on recognitions. Implications for university personnel are discussed. TPC Digest