Beyond Compliance

This chapter examines how private higher education institutions (PEIs) in Asia can move beyond narrow compliance toward creative, purpose-driven transformation. It argues that creativity is essential for institutional relevance, student engagement, and long-term adaptability. Drawing on creativity theory, design thinking, and organisational innovation research, the chapter introduces the Creative Capacity Framework (CCF), which outlines structural, psychological, collaborative, and reward-based conditions that enable creativity. Case examples from Singapore, China, India, and the Philippines illustrate how creativity can be embedded across curriculum design, assessment, pedagogy, and leadership. The chapter concludes by reframing quality assurance as a catalyst for enhancement rather than a constraint, positioning PEIs as laboratories for agile, human-centred education.