PHD as Pizza Hut Delivering Model: ‘Righting Wrongs!’ How Long!

In the course of my doctoral journey, I (first author) confront and is not absolvable to me either, the entrenched colonial legacies that pervade higher education, particularly at Universiti Malaya, mirroring broader Western-centric research paradigms, hence, I am asking myself, am I doing 'righting wrongs' in my PhD. This study is then, takes a border scope in Asian context that aspires to undertake a critical examination of these colonial influences, interrogate the deeply rooted biases within academic discourse, and propose innovative pathways for a decolonized research framework that amplifies marginalized voices while integrating perspectives from the Global South. Aim: The objective is to scrutinize the persistence of colonial attitudes embedded in academic research and to advocate for research practices that are ethical, community-engaged, and inclusive of Indigenous knowledge systems. Method: Adopting a decolonial approach, this research encompasses a meticulous analysis of institutional practices 100 theses, a comprehensive review of pertinent literature on colonialism in higher education, and qualitative interviews with scholars and community stakeholders. This methodology elucidates how Western paradigms and the absence of community consent perpetuate the marginalization of Indigenous voices. Findings: The study reveals a persistent presence of colonial attitudes within the university's research methodologies, highlighting a failure to integrate community consent and to honor Indigenous knowledge systems. These findings underscore the urgent necessity for a paradigm shift towards more inclusive and ethically grounded research methodologies. Impact: By addressing these critical issues, this personal igniting point is not more uncentered issue, rather, the research endeavors to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive academic environment. It seeks to challenge prevailing power dynamics and promote the integration of diverse epistemologies, ultimately advancing social justice within research practices. Policy Implications: This study advocates for comprehensive policy reforms within higher education institutions to adopt decolonized research frameworks and to establish rigorous guidelines for ethical, community-engaged research. It emphasizes the imperative of implementing consent processes and incorporating Indigenous perspectives within academic research, thereby fostering a more equitable and socially just research landscape.