Exploring senior academicians’ perspective on mentoring in Malaysian higher education institutions

This study describes and examines the nature of mentoring system as a component of leadership development and how mentoring plays its roles in fostering leadership in higher education institutions (HEIs).  Using a qualitative approach, data were collected using interviews from three participants from three Public Universities in Malaysia. Three core themes for the current mentoring practices were identified and these include informal, voluntary-based and humanistic. Also, four roles of mentoring emerged in Malaysian higher education institutions namely, role-modelling, supporting, inspiring and, creating a conducive environment.  The study recommends the establishment of a proper mentoring process in Malaysian HEIs so that every academician will have the same opportunity to guide and be guided.