Malaysian Authorities Initiate the Work on New Higher Education Blueprint

Work has begun on a new higher education blueprint as the current Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025 (Higher Education) will conclude next year. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir announced that the new blueprint aims to be more futuristic, benefiting the nation both now and in the future.

“This involves comprehensive planning for the future of the country,” Dr. Zambry stated after chairing the inaugural meeting for the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035 Advisory Committee on Thursday (July 11).

The meeting included experts from higher education and industry, as well as individuals who contributed to the formulation of the current blueprint. Former higher education ministers, including Tan Sri Idris Jusoh and Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, and figures who have helped shape national policies, such as Datuk Seri Idris Jala, will serve as advisors.

A panel of 12 experts, led by former higher education director-general Prof Emerita Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail, will also be involved in creating the new blueprint. The panel includes:

– Prof Emerita Datuk Dr. Siti Hamisah Tapsir

– Prof Datuk Wira Dr. Raha Abdul Rahim

– Prof Datuk Dr. Mohd Saleh Jaafar

– Prof Datuk Dr. Wahid Omar

– Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr. Mohd Azraai Kassim

– Prof Dr. Norhayati Mohamed

– Prof Dr. Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam

– Prof Datuk Dr. Mohammad Shatar Sabran

– Prof Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit

– Prof Dr. Massila Kamalrudin

– Dr. Guan Eng Chan

Dr. Zambry emphasized that higher education needs to be agile, especially in the digital age. “Education cannot be done in a conventional, siloed way,” he said. “We need to carry out early preparations to determine the next 10 years.”

To gather feedback for the blueprint, the ministry will hold additional engagement and town hall sessions with various stakeholders. A national survey open to the public is also being conducted to gather input for the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035.