TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING THROUGH LIBERAL EDUCATION: INSIGHTS FROM A MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY CASE STUDY

Abstract

This paper investigates the design and implementation of liberal education, known as Citra-UKM Education, a curriculum initiative by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia aimed at advancing the national agenda of cultivating intellectually agile human capital. Informed by the Malaysia Education Blueprint (Higher Education), the curriculum adopts a flexible, inclusive, and multidisciplinary approach to undergraduate education. It is designed to equip undergraduates with a broad spectrum of knowledge and essential soft skills responsive to the evolving demands of the job market. This paper deliberates on the concept that underpins the development and implementation of Citra-UKM Education and presents the findings of the survey on students’ perspectives of the curriculum A total of 297 undergraduate students, who enrolled in Citra-UKM Education courses, participated in the survey. The findings reveal students’ strong level of endorsement that highlights the significance and effectiveness of the liberal education elements integrated within the Citra-UKM Education. This paper offers insights into its relevance in a posthumanist era of educational transformation.