KUALA TERENGGANU, 20 May 2026 (The Capital Post) — Malaysia’s Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir stressed that the transformation of the country’s higher education system must be implemented holistically by balancing the preservation of local knowledge heritage, student welfare, campus infrastructure development and curriculum alignment with future industry needs.
The message was delivered during the Sembang Santai Doc Zam programme held at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Terengganu Branch, Kuala Terengganu Campus.
According to the minister, traditional knowledge such as the art of boat-making in Pulau Duyong and Terengganu songket weaving should continue to be preserved as valuable intellectual heritage of the nation.
He said local wisdom should not be viewed as outdated elements, but instead strengthened through the integration of modern technology to generate new economic value.
In line with that, public and private higher education institutions were encouraged to enhance cross-disciplinary approaches combining cultural heritage, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation.
During the programme, Zambry Abdul Kadir also announced the immediate approval of RM1.5 million in allocations for repair works involving academic facilities and sports amenities across three UiTM campuses in Terengganu.
Under the allocation, UiTM Kuala Terengganu Campus, Bukit Besi Campus and Dungun Campus will each receive RM500,000 to ensure the comfort and safety of students and staff.
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The minister further revealed that the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) is expanding initiatives such as Program Sulung, Dapur Siswa and Job on Campus to assist students, especially those from the B40 group.
According to him, the initiatives are aimed at easing the cost-of-living burden and ensuring students can focus fully on academic excellence without excessive financial pressure.
On graduate employability, he stressed the importance of realigning academic curricula with current industry needs, including artificial intelligence and future digital skills.
Also present at the programme were Higher Education Ministry Secretary-General Dato’ Ts. Dr. Aminuddin Hassim, Director-General of Higher Education Prof. Datuk Azlinda Azman, UiTM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs) Prof. Dr. Mohd Sazili Shahibi, senior ministry officials and vice-chancellors of public universities.
The information was shared via the official Facebook page of Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi. – The Capital Post
