Financial Sustainability Strategies in Malaysian Higher Education: The Experience of a Public Business School

Authors

  • Khairunnisak Latiff School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Mohd Yazid Mohd Zuliaddin School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Nurul Izza Hazizan School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Siew Siew Chong School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Noreen Kamarudin School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Linlin Zhang School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Sridar Ramachandran School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Sudesh Prabhakaran Centre for Industrial Relation and Network, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37134/ibej.Vol19.1.5.2026

Keywords:

Financial Sustainability, Public Business School, Quality Education

Abstract

This study dives into how a public business school in Malaysia can stay afloat financially. With government funding for higher education becoming increasingly tight in Asia, it is crucial to identify new ways to manage money. Therefore, this qualitative study took a close look at alternative funding options and cost-cutting strategies by conducting interviews with the school's leaders, professors, staff, students, and alumni to gather their perspectives. It is found that business schools need to be creative with how they bring in money and make their operations as efficient as possible to ensure the institution can thrive in the long run. This research adds to the conversation about financial stability for public business schools in developing countries, specifically how they can handle budget cuts and keep costs down that includes diversify revenue streams, including leveraging accreditation, utilizing existing relationships, and forming partnerships with corporate sponsors. The insights here are useful for leaders and policymakers in Malaysia and other Asian countries facing similar economic pressures to develop a comprehensive roadmap towards financial sustainability in the higher education sector. 

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Published

2026-04-14

How to Cite

Latiff, K., Mohd Zuliaddin, M. Y. ., Hazizan , N. I. ., Chong , S. S. ., Kamarudin , N. ., Zhang , L. ., Ramachandran , S. ., & Prabhakaran, S. . (2026). Financial Sustainability Strategies in Malaysian Higher Education: The Experience of a Public Business School. International Business Education Journal, 19(1), 62-75. https://doi.org/10.37134/ibej.Vol19.1.5.2026