KUALA LUMPUR: Higher education reforms will focus on developing graduates with strong values, critical thinking skills and a firm sense of identity, alongside meeting industry and technological demands, says the Higher Education Ministry.
“The Malaysia Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035, particularly its first thrust, focuses on human-centred, entrepreneurial and adaptive learners.
“It emphasises holistic human development through spiritual values, knowledge, skills, analytical thinking and social and humanities competencies, while strengthening national identity and responsibility towards the country’s development," it said in a written parliamentary reply on Thursday (Oct 15).
The ministry said General Studies subjects and Values-Based Education were being used to teach morality, ethics, history, nationhood, the Constitution and social responsibility in higher education.
The Malaysian Qualifications Agency also has the Guidelines on Values-Based Education since Aug 1, 2026.
Programmes such as Program Mahasiswa Negara, iFUTURE and the Putrajaya Idea Festival help students develop leadership, communication and strategic thinking.
“University-industry collaborations through Work-Based Learning, Industry on Campus and Teaching Factory initiatives, alongside the Government-Industry Coordination Body, would expose students to real working environments,” it said.
“The goal is to develop both the ‘mind and character’ of graduates, ensuring they are knowledgeable, morally grounded, critical thinkers with a strong identity and a deep sense of humanity,” it said.
The reply was in response to Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (PN-Marang), who asked the Higher Education Minister how reforms would ensure universities produce individuals with knowledge, values and critical thinking skills, rather than merely manpower for industry and technology.
