BANDAR ENSTEK, Negeri Sembilan, 4 June 2026 (The Capital Post) – Universities must serve as key catalysts for knowledge-based economic development by strengthening collaboration among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), industry, government and communities within an integrated ecosystem.
Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir said a nation’s success in developing high-technology industries is closely linked to the strength of its academic institutions, which serve as sources of research, innovation and talent development.
He noted that the success of global technology hubs such as Silicon Valley in the United States and Hsinchu in Taiwan demonstrates the crucial role universities play in building innovation ecosystems capable of driving sustainable economic growth.
Zambry made the remarks while delivering the AKEPT Leadership Discourse Series 3 of 2026, titled Empowering Synergy Between Higher Education Institutions, Industry and Communities, at the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT).
He emphasised that future economic development requires a quadruple helix approach that integrates the roles of universities, industry, government and communities to ensure all stakeholders contribute collectively to the nation’s development agenda.
According to him, universities can no longer operate in isolation but must become an integral part of a development ecosystem that generates solutions to industrial and societal challenges.
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He also highlighted that knowledge-based institutions are essential in supporting the growth of new economic corridors and technology hubs, ensuring development extends beyond manufacturing activities alone.
Zambry added that strengthening research and development, technology transfer and a culture of continuous innovation among academics and industry players is vital to building a competitive industrial sector.
He further stressed that universities’ strengths in producing knowledge, talent and research-driven solutions should be fully leveraged to support Malaysia’s aspiration of becoming a high-income, innovation-driven nation.
The discourse, moderated by Abdul Rahman Mohamed, brought together university leaders, industry representatives and participants of the Institutional Leadership Course: Industry and Community Networking to discuss strategies for strengthening collaboration between the higher education sector and industry.
The information was shared via the official Facebook page of Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi.– The Capital Post
