Building Global-Ready Institutions: A Conceptual Framework for Enhancing Internalisation Capacity in Malaysian Higher Education

Abstract

Internationalising higher education is a strategic goal for Malaysia in its pursuit of becoming a global education hub. However, internal capacity constraints within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) hinder these efforts. This conceptual paper presents a framework to help the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) strengthens institutional capacity for sustainable global engagement. Grounded in the Resource-Based View, Organisational Learning Theory, and Institutional Theory, the framework outlines key capacity domains of human resources, infrastructure, governance, culture, and finance needed to develop “global-ready” institutions. It emphasises strategic processes such as diagnostics, professional development, policy alignment, peer learning, and continuous feedback. Strengthening these internal factors will enhance international student recruitment, research collaboration, and global rankings, supporting Malaysia’s higher education aspirations. This study offers practical insights for policymakers and institutional leaders aiming to improve internationalisation outcomes.