The Identity of Higher Learning Student’s in Malaysia: A Preliminary Study

This study aims to examine the level of identity of students in selected public universities in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Components of identity assessed in this study are the language, customs, culture, religion, patriotism, integrity, idealism and institutional contributions. All these components are examined in their manifestations through the respondents’ knowledge, behavior, emotions, values and beliefs. The methodology used is survey with quantitative approach. Questionnaires answered by respondents form the research data collection tool. A total of 800 male (46%) and female (54%) students from four selected universities with multi-year and multi-field of study comprising of three main ethnic groups (66.8% Malay, 22.9% Chinese & 10.3% Indian) were selected as respondents. The study found that 54.6 percent of respondents have a high level of self- identity. In addition, age, gender, ethnicities, place of origin, field of study and institutions where respondents learn play a role in determining the level of identity. All components of identity also showed significant differences based on ethnicity, field of study and learning institution. In conclusion, the level of identity for this sample, even though not alarming as yet, should give a strong signal to all parties that there are threats to national identity. Therefore, continuous efforts should be made to strengthen and reinforce national identity. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s1p430