The Prime Minister recently announced that the government had concluded an agreement with Sa-deen on the American University of Malta (AUM), allowing this huge investment to proceed to the next phase.
Much has been said and written on this initiative, a great deal of it incorrect. Some critics have acted out of sheer ignorance, others out of spite. I feel compelled to set the record straight.
The National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) recently issued a licence to Sadeen Education Investment Ltd to start operating a higher education institution (HEI). This is a necessary first step towards establishing a university. The applicant has already informed the NCFHE that the intention is to obtain a fully fledged university licence with the name ‘American University of Malta’.
To obtain HEI status, Sadeen went through rigorous and independent scrutiny on the quality of education that it is willing to offer and its financial and managerial capabilities. This is a procedure which all institutions applying for such a licence have to go through.
The AUM will be a private, American-style, liberal arts university dedicated to higher education and research of the highest international standard. Its degree programmes, research activities and service to the community are intended to transform lives. It will serve society by educating, creating knowledge and putting knowledge to work in a global setting.
The market for international students is a fast growing one. In the Middle East alone, the number of those seeking tertiary education outside their territories, and in particular in American-affiliated universities, is in excess of 400,000. There is no doubt that students, in particular those coming from affluent families, are on the lookout for American-affiliated campuses that offer the most up-to-date academic courses and amenities.
The AUM will be a private, American-style, liberal arts university dedicated to higher education and research
Similar universities are situated in the Middle East and northern African States, but political strife is making these jurisdictions less attractive to students. There are such universities in European countries too, but many were set up in the 1960s. Not all have kept up-to-date with technological and educational developments. These universities are also in countries where English is not widely spoken, as it is in Malta.
Sadeen were convinced to choose Malta, as we are a politically and economically stable country. As a member of the EU, we enjoy good relations with our European counterparts, and because of our geographical location we have well-established relations with the Middle East and North Africa. There is no doubt Malta offers a reputable hub for multi-nationals operating in this region. Moreover, the current political drive and commitment have been an essential ingredient, making investors feel particularly comfortable about doing business in Malta.
The AUM will attract students who are seeking higher education in a safe country where all ethnic diversities are respected. The affiliation with a high-ranking American university such as DePaul, and now also Clemson University, will be a big pull, as will a state-of-the-art campus.
There are several American universities already established in the region, including in Beirut, Dubai, Cairo, Rome, Athens and Paris.
The AUM involves an initial investment of more than €100,000,000, the largest foreign investment in education in Malta ever. It will attract about 4,000 students, engage approximately 270 academic staff and around 40 non-academic staff.
The government has negotiated with the AUM to make available up to 30 scholarships to Maltese students every year.
The AUM will include laboratories, a library, a language institute and a range of other amenities. Some facilities will be made available for use by civic associations and other bodies such as local councils, sports associations and cultural and educational institutions.
The government has identified higher and tertiary education as a new niche to further boost economic growth. The aspiration of AUM is to make Malta a true educational hub and be among the best American-style, liberal arts universities in the region.
There should be pride in helping students to gain knowledge and become better persons. Malta should also be proud to be gaining investment, jobs and international prestige.
Alex Muscat is deputy chief of staff at the Office of the Prime Minister.