Exploring ethnic relations among undergraduates at a Malaysian government-linked university: preliminary findings

Abstract

This study provides a preliminary look at the level of ethnic interactions among undergraduates at Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia (National Energy University of Malaysia or UNITEN), one of the Private Higher Education Institutions with a Government- linked University status. This study aimed to determine whether UNITEN successfully fostered harmonious ethnic relations among its students through national education aspirations that emphasise the elements of unity and quality education, such as the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025: Higher Education. Questionnaires were given to a select group of students who satisfied the sampling criteria. The most fundamental level of ethnic relations explored was accommodation, followed by acculturation, assimilation, and amalgamation as the highest level of ties. Each level of association was assessed using a four-point Likert scale. According to the results of the research, the level of ethnic ties among students at UNITEN scored a total mean score of 3.20, which is associated with high levels of assimilation. These data point to a shift in ethnic relations from “Low/Moderate” to “High” in previous research. The findings show that students, especially those at private higher education institutions, can accept and adapt to relationships with people from diverse ethnic backgrounds if instructional strategies and unity initiatives are vigorously implemented inside and outside the educational institution. Student responses to questionnaire statements suggest many concerns, including their sensitivity and acceptance of different ethnic groups.