Zainal Amin Ayub

Islamic republic of Iran

The Islamic Republic of Iran is an important and interesting case study to understand in the context of higher education development in the MENA region. The Iranian higher education system can be considered as among the most developed in the region, especially in research and development, despite economic sanctions. With the lifting of the sanctions and having possessed rich economic resources as well as coupled by a relatively stable political situation, these have brighten the prospects for the development of the Iranian higher education. This chapter examines the challenges and prospects of higher education in Iran as well as from the politico-security, economic, social, legal, and educational perspectives as a means to develop holistic insights of higher education in a post-sanction Iran and the MENA region.

Republic of Tunisia

The Republic of Tunisia makes an interesting case study in the context of higher education development in the MENA region. This is in view of its strong tradition and culture of promoting education, and the accolade it receives for possessing among the most developed higher education systems in the region, despite its comparatively less affluent economic condition. This chapter examines the development of the national higher education agenda of Tunisia, in terms of the provision of international students, research, and training collaboration, as well as network expansion. It explores the challenges and prospects offered from the politico-security, economic, social, legal, and educational perspectives as a means to develop important insights that could assist in the making of strategic recommendations for would-be higher education providers and their higher education institutes, in the quest to extend their outreach to this post-conflict state in the MENA region.

State of Palestine

Despite being in a constant state of conflict and the manifold dangers posed by the Israeli occupation, the State of Palestine has a functional education system, which includes higher education. In fact, the higher education development in Palestine has progressed at a rapid pace over the last three decades, as it continues to succeed against the odds unbowed. This chapter examines the political, security and economic situation of Palestine, to provide a context to understanding the environment that shapes the Palestinian higher education landscape and system. This is followed by a scrutiny of the higher education sector, which includes an assessment of the set of conditions and challenges that are uniquely faced by the stakeholders of higher education in Palestine, and the potentials for future development and realisation of this highly passionate agenda of the Palestinian people.

Employment Right of Persons with Disabilities in Malaysia

The issues of people with disabilities (PWD) remain unresolved, with the majority staying marginalized, facing social exclusion and living in poverty. The employment rate of PWD in Malaysia is very unsatisfactory compared to those who are without disabilities. This chapter points out the governing legal framework in Malaysia that safeguards PWD rights, interests, and well-being by focusing on the issue of employment. Discussion is therefore given to the right of employment for PWD and problems encountered, specifically job discrimination and accessibility. This right to access to employment is analyzed from the provisions offered in the significant legislation, the Persons With Disabilities Act 2008. The said law provides for the well-being, protection, and development of PWD in Malaysia. The authors conclude that the current legal framework is insufficient because it only acknowledges the employment rights of PWD without having provisions of enforcement. Being commented upon as not doing much in improving the lives of PWD, legislation is still imperative when properly implemented, particularly with understanding, support, and collaboration from society, including employers in both public and private sectors.

Reflections and the Way Forward

This book presented case studies of six states from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The rich narrative in terms of their higher education as well as their political, security, socioeconomic and legal framework has illustrated many important themes and patterns in understanding these countries and the MENA region, as a whole. This concluding chapter identifies and summarises the common key themes that serve as both challenges and/or opportunities for the selected countries in promoting their respective and the region’s higher education development agenda. It also suggests the areas of (re)alignment required and proposes the way forward for the MENA region to fully realise its higher education potentials.