Press meet: (First row) Anesee, Zambry and Ahmad Shalimin (third, fourth and fifth from left, respectively) posing for a photo with media practitioners and ministry officials. Also present are Wong (second from left) and Chin (far right).
THE Higher Education Ministry is prioritising efforts to restore confidence in the academic standards and integrity of higher education institutions, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
The Higher Education Minister said this comes in view of growing criticism that some universities offer programmes perceived as lacking academic value or relevance – often labelled as low-quality or “the zombie disciplines”.
He added that the ministry is taking a holistic approach to enhancing the quality, credibility and capabilities of the entire campus ecosystem.
“Initiatives such as leadership and professional development programmes have been introduced. Importantly, these efforts are not limited to students alone. They also extend to lecturers, professors and university administrators,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s higher education landscape is set for a major transformation with the introduction of a new Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035 next year.
During his speech at the ministry’s Media Appreciation Night 2025 on Dec 5, Zambry, who was recently reappointed to the Senate for a second term, presented the ministry’s “report card” – a summary of key initiatives and achievements over the year.
He highlighted seven focus areas, with talent development identified as a key priority.
“When we talk about talent development, we must not forget this: when our children enter universities, polytechnics or community colleges, the real question is where they go after that.
“That is precisely why we see the need to put in place various programmes and support structures, to ensure that whatever they pursue, they graduate with a strong and holistic package when they leave these institutions,” he said.
Talent development, he noted, is not confined to academic training alone as it encompasses the overall shaping of students – their character, skills and knowledge.
“This includes efforts to instil entrepreneurial values in them, while at the same time strengthening industry empowerment initiatives on campus,” he said.
He added that the ministry will re-evaluate the effectiveness and content of governance and leadership programmes, particularly in fostering understanding of Malaysia’s diverse society.
“These courses cannot exist merely to fulfil institutional requirements, as they play a role in shaping society’s worldview. They influence the kind of society we want to build as a nation,” he said, adding that fostering understanding across cultural, religious and social differences is a key component being strengthened.
Zambry also addressed concerns surrounding the internationalisation of Malaysia’s higher education sector, particularly claims that foreign students are prioritised over locals.
He stressed that the intake of local students has not been reduced, even as Malaysia continues to grow as an increasingly attractive destination for international students.
“The reason is simple: international students choose Malaysia because they have confidence in the country’s higher education system. If they did not, they would not come,” he said.
This confidence, he added, is a major asset for the country and delivers significant returns.
During the event, Zambry also emphasised the importance of media coverage in communicating the ministry’s efforts and achievements to the public.
Held at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, the event drew over 300 guests and celebrated the significant contributions of media partners throughout 2025.
Also present were Higher Education secretary-general Datuk Dr Anesee Ibrahim, management and development deputy secretary-general Datuk Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan, Education Malaysia Global Services chairman Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie, as well as Star Media Group chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng, and deputy executive editor Dr Christina Chin.
