A Tarnished Reputation

By DAVID COHEN

Australia's universities wrestle with criticism that they're cutting corners to attract foreign students

When the University of Newcastle first forged a relationship with Malaysia's Institut Wira, a flourishing private operation specializing in business courses, even the name of the Australian university's new Southeast Asian partner appeared to promise a rosy future.

Wira, meaning "hero" in the Malay language, hit the right note for what in 1998 looked to become another rousing