THE creation of a conducive higher education ecosystem cannot escape the necessity of ensuring academic excellence, fostering a culture of knowledge, reinforcing intellectual traditions and exploring new knowledge, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (pic).
To facilitate the emergence of intellectual traditions in universities, polytechnics and community colleges, the Higher Education Minister recommended four shifts, including the implementation of “Nurturing Young Leaders” programmes.
“The time has come for universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) to jointly think of methods and strategies to cultivate the country’s future leaders, ensuring they possess not only knowledge and academic competence, but also moral solidity and global character,” he said in his speech at the Higher Education Ministry’s Roadmap for 2024 event at Universiti Malaya on Jan 12.
He added that the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT), which is responsible for providing leadership programmes in both academic and institutional leadership domains, needs to be enhanced in quality, optimised in competency, and expanded in its functions to become a “centre of excellence” for leadership training and serve as a regional reference expert for HEIs.
Zambry also recommended the organisation of the “Festival of Ideas” programme, envisioned to be conducted annually, to gather all research findings and study information from respective HEIs.
This includes arranging various knowledge-sharing platforms such as seminars, academic conferences, dialogues, symposiums and workshops.
Another shift he envisioned is in the production, binding and publication of the corpus of knowledge according to the disciplines and expertise of HEIs.
“Books and publications symbolise the superiority of HEIs, while corpus binding and lexicons represent symbols of academic diligence,” he said.
In his speech, Zambry emphasised the vital role played by the active components within HEIs – namely its members, including educators, students and administrators – in creating a conducive ecosystem.
“The relationships between these stakeholders must be grounded in harmony, built on the values of respect, love, civility, and a shared passion for knowledge,” he said.
Addressing concerns within the higher education community regarding potential major policy changes after he succeeded Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, he said the planned agenda and framework outlined in documents such as the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015–2025 (Higher Education) and the Malaysia Higher Education Strategic Plan 2023-2025 will continue to be implemented.
“The former higher education minister has put this ministry on the right track.
“The first milestone has been laid. Now is the time to drive this ministry to the next one,” he said.
Unveiling the ministry’s roadmap for 2024, Zambry said the ministry will prioritise five core focuses for the year – developing the best talents, strengthening the research and innovation ecosystem, implementing a new approach to knowledge transfer and sharing programmes, internationalising higher education and strengthening enabling ecosystems (see infographic).
He also highlighted 20 principles of direction aimed at improving the performance and excellence of the nation’s higher education.
Among the principles included the formation of the “mind and character”.
“This involves cultivating knowledge, building character, refining manners and morals, and reinforcing integrity.
“Higher education in the country should serve as a catalyst for transforming individuals and nurturing cultural development,” he said.
Additionally, he emphasised the importance of balancing technology- and humanity-centric approaches.
“This can ensure that the country’s future talents not only are knowledgeable and have advanced skills, but also embrace the values and cultural essence of their homeland, contributing to a nation distinguished by both excellence and soul,” he said.
The values and aspirations of the 20 principles, he added, mirror the ministry’s determination to achieve success and ensure the well-being of students, staff and the overall academic society.
Zambry also said the ministry will conduct a “Madani Campus Tour” throughout the nation to strengthen the direction of the country’s higher education.
He said the tour is part of an initiative to gather input from all parties for drafting the new Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint as the existing blueprint will conclude next year.
“I, along with the Deputy Higher Education Minister (Datuk Mustapha Sakmud) and the top management of the ministry, shall go on the field to understand the real situation and listen to the students’ grievances. We want to make sure that the welfare aspect of students will be emphasised,” he said.
