Education in Malaysia and Thailand
In Malaysia and Thailand, the governments believe that investing in graduate education contributes to national economic development. The dynamics of Malaysian interviewees are that a substantial investment in education will build an educated workforce. The evidence of an educated workforce will attract international investment, which will boost national economic development. For this investment in graduate education to yield the expected outcomes, top universities not only need to be good but must be recognized effective internationally. International university rankings were viewed by many interviewees as a way to earn this international attention and respect.