DIGITAL EDUCATION IN MALAYSIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES: A NEO-INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

Abstract

The integration of digital education has emerged as a cornerstone of contemporary teaching and learning in higher education. The rapid advancement of technology underscores the need for comprehensive institutional policies to facilitate its effective implementation. Governments play a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to digital education while enabling public universities to manage and delegate operational responsibilities among key stakeholders, including university administrators, academics, and students. This study investigates the implementation of digital education policies in Malaysian public universities, analyzing the interactions between the Ministry of Higher Education, university management, academic staff, and students. Grounded in neo-institutional theory, the research employs a qualitative methodology, drawing on data from semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The findings illuminate the structural and cultural dynamics that shape policy implementation, offering insights into best practices and strategies to address barriers in the adoption of digital education. This study provides practical recommendations for policymakers and university leaders, contributing to the development of a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient digital education ecosystem in higher education.