KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Development Plan 2026-2035, currently being prepared by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), is designed holistically, emphasising human capital development and expanding students’ intellectual capacity, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir highlighted that the direction of higher learning institutions (IPT) in Malaysia should not only focus on quality education infrastructure but also align learning fields with industry needs while nurturing well-rounded graduates.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zambry stated that universities are now responsible for not just education but also instilling human values, shaping minds, and character. This focus is central to the formulation of the Higher Education Development Plan 2026-2035. He explained that this plan addresses the future orientation of universities, IPTs, and polytechnics, which includes reviewing syllabi and curricula typically every three to five years. The plan also proposes in
troducing new curricula or alternative fields, including artificial intelligence (AI) and the electrical and electronics (EandE) sectors.
On financial aspects, Zambry noted that MOHE has been allocated RM220 million for student scholarships and RM400 million for research grants under Budget 2025. This is further supported by an additional RM190 million in research funding from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). Regarding infrastructure, including new community colleges, he stated that development must consider local needs to avoid closures due to low enrolment, with plans to build four new polytechnics next year.
Addressing bullying at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), Zambry called for a comprehensive approach, emphasizing that solutions should not be limited to the university alone. He urged evaluation of the existing system at UPNM to determine its appropriateness or need for restructuring. He also mentioned the establishment of the Student Affairs Council to preven
t bullying at other universities.
Zambry also discussed a proposal to include universities as statutory bodies with autonomous powers, which would be submitted for government consideration. Currently, public universities (IPTAs) are not listed under the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000 (Act 605).
In conclusion, the Dewan Rakyat approved the MOHE’s operating and development expenditure allocation of RM18,097,086,800 under Budget 2025 with a majority vote after being debated by 19 MPs.