DIPLOMA MILLS STRIKE AGAIN

I’ve said this before, and it remains worth repeating.

I have full respect for individuals genuinely conferred honorary titles by reputable, accredited institutions, recognition earned through meaningful and proven contributions. Many credible universities and professional bodies uphold this with integrity and due diligence. However, a concerning trend is emerging. We now see advertisements offering the “Dr.” title via so-called honorary doctorates from “international universities” with unclear or questionable accreditation. In some cases, these titles are effectively obtained through payment, with little to no academic or professional scrutiny allowing almost anyone to adopt the title. This mirrors the long-standing issue of diploma mills, complete with verification portals, graduate lists, and staged convocations to create an illusion of legitimacy. The implications are serious: • Undermines genuine academic achievement • Misleads employers, clients, and the public • Creates unfair professional advantages • Introduces risk where competence is assumed but lacking • Erodes trust in institutions and standards I’ve seen individuals secure senior roles based on such titles, only for competency gaps to surface quickly often at significant cost. Recognition is not the issue. Misuse and misrepresentation are. In Malaysia, bodies like MQA and TVET are professional regulators play a vital role in safeguarding standards. This must be upheld. A few reminders: • Verify credentials and accreditation (even they claimed it's a foreign one as our regulators have a list of the recognized ones) • Prioritise competence, experience, and track record (this can be immediately known once such person is hired - even a ChatGPT has been used) • Uphold integrity over titles A PhD is not easily earned. It reflects years of discipline, research, and intellectual rigor. Those who carry the title rightfully have earned it.

A title should reflect a journey not replace one.