PUTRAJAYA: The government has announced plans to expand the number of universities and polytechnics specialising in technical fields, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
He explained that the initiative aims to foster broader and stronger collaborations between universities and industry, in line with the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint (MHEB) 2026-2035.
“The government also plans to upgrade 10 more polytechnics to premier status, enabling them to offer programmes up to the degree level. Currently, most polytechnics only provide certificate and diploma courses,” he said at the Malaysian Technical Universities Network (MTUN) Academia-Industry Research Conference 2026 here on Wednesday (Feb 11).
The conference serves as a strategic platform to bridge the gap between academia and the technical industry’s requirements, particularly in advanced Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
During the event, endowment contribution cheques from industry partners were handed to MTUN universities, with RM51.86 million awarded to Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) and RM50,000 to Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).
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The conference also saw the signing of 27 memorandums of understanding and agreements between MTUN institutions and participating industry partners. MTUN comprises UTeM, UTHM, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, and Universiti Malaysia Perlis.
Addressing concerns related to the Universities and University Colleges Act (Auku) 1971, Zambry said he welcomed student engagement, noting that students have the freedom to express themselves.
“The Act has undergone several amendments, the most recent in June 2024, ensuring that students can freely form associations and manage their sources of funding,” he stated, adding that these freedoms are actively being exercised.
Zambry also assured that the government continues to engage with student groups and academic staff to gather feedback and consider various perspectives.
On Monday (Feb 9), a group of student protesters called for the abolition of Auku. Members of the Abolish Auku Secretariat, comprising various student groups, marched to Parliament to submit a memorandum outlining their demands.
-Thestar
