Multimedia University: A Paperless Environment to Take the Challenges for the 21st Century

Predictability of absolute data transaction for real time information and reduction of incalculable data delivery time are the major factors to lead the global education as well as economic system towards a paperless environment. Some universities such as the University of Phoenix, Western Governors University, UK Open University, University of California, and Hong Kong University are playing a pioneering role to achieve this paperless environment in the respective campuses. Multimedia University (MMU) is a very distinctive university and is considered the jewel of Malaysia's bold plan to enter the world arena of 21st century information technology. The university is now operational with intelligent building systems, wireless technology system, satellite tele-education, a digital library, state-of-the-art learning, and research facilities, as well as an integrated computer education management system. MMU runs a paperless administration with the full-fledged e-governance having all these facilities. E-governance is about the use of information technology to raise the quality of the services organizations deliver for its management. The university also provides a Registry of Graduates homepage that not only eliminates fraud, but also complements the e-governance system, preparing itself for a truly web-based society. This article mainly aims to illustrate the development of higher education in the Multimedia University by establishing a paperless environment. (Contains 4 figures and 1 table.)