Kuala Lumpur:Closer collaboration between higher education institutions (IPTs) and industry must be strengthened to ensure graduates acquire the skills and competencies needed to meet the demands of an evolving job market shaped by rapid technological advancements.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir emphasized that industry involvement should extend beyond providing industrial training placements and begin at the curriculum development stage, including the setting of learning outcomes and planning of teaching methodologies.
Zambry highlighted that while the industry understands changes in customer needs, technology, work processes, and the skills required, higher education institutions possess academic expertise, research capacity, learning facilities, and the ability to develop talent over the long term. He noted that the combination of these strengths is essential not only for preparing graduates for today's job market but also for building the nation's capacity to face future industries.
The minister made these remarks at the MQA Industry Connect 2026 program, where the text of his speech was read out by Higher Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim. The program brought together about 100 higher education institutions and 100 industry representatives to strengthen strategic ties between the two sectors.
Zambry called for ties between higher education institutions and industry to evolve from occasional interactions into structured, continuous, and outcome-oriented partnerships. He pointed to the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digitalization, as well as the transition toward a green economy, as factors transforming the employment landscape and requiring a more dynamic approach to national talent development.
He emphasized the need to shift from an educational approach focused solely on qualifications to one that also emphasizes competencies, adaptability, values, and continuous learning. He stressed that universities should not function solely as industrial training centers, as higher education serves a broader purpose, including advancing knowledge, shaping thought, building character, and contributing to national progress.
Prof Datuk Mohammad Shatar Sabran, Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) chief executive officer, added that the MQA Industry Connect 2026 program serves as a strategic platform to foster mutual understanding, build trust, and explore more structured forms of collaboration between higher education institutions and industry. He underscored the importance of diverse industry participation in ensuring academic programs remain relevant to changing job market demands and producing graduates equipped to meet real-world challenges.