Key Success Factors for Cross-Border Education

Of late, higher education the world over has been transformed into an international trade, as barriers in time and space are broken by rapid advancements in technology and the World Wide Web. Universities from different countries and regions now have an even more sound reason to work together in the many areas of higher educational services. As an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution, Open University Malaysia (OUM) recognises that engaging in cross-border education is both advantageous and necessary in order to compete at a global scale. This paper will explore the potential areas for crossborder education, discuss key success factors as experienced by OUM and also deliberate on present issues and the way forward for collaborations between universities. Key success factors encompass different aspects of a collaboration, including bilateral relations, local partners, products, people as well as planning and execution. Related concerns include recognition and accreditation, cost and affordability, sustainability and developing the appropriate business model. Managing each other’s expectations and ensuring the success of the collaboration also requires a human touch and a sense of continuity. (Authors' abstract