Purpose: The increasing societal requirement requests higher education institutions to be more responsive to socioeconomic needs and new governmental demands. This study aims to present a self-developed multidimensional quality assurance and assessment model for higher education institutions -- R.I.S.E model (relevance, impact, significance and excellence) -- as a tool for quality assessment in higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach: The model was first described at a conceptual level, followed by the examination of its applicability by presenting a case of a university in Macau to substantiate the model with real-life evidence. Findings: Results showed that the model can be used as an assessment tool to analyze, evaluate and reflect upon the status quo of higher education institutions. Facilitators can use all or part of the model either as a useful baseline to assess performance and prioritize "next steps" or to compare performance across time to determine progress in achieving goals and objectives. Originality/value: The new model proposed in this study presents multiple perspectives when assessing higher education systems, especially in the transforming stage of a university, to meet upgrading requirements from both the society and the academic community.