Malaysia will unveil its next long-term strategy for the higher education sector when the Malaysia Higher Education Plan (PPTM) 2026–2035 is launched in January.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the new roadmap is scheduled to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the second week of the month.
He said the extensive plan is intended to strengthen the nation’s tertiary education ecosystem, ensuring it remains competitive, resilient and aligned with future global demands.
According to Zambry, the PPTM has been developed in line with the principles of Malaysia Madani, with emphasis on a sustainable and globally attuned education landscape capable of preparing graduates for emerging challenges.
He said the blueprint is designed as a ‘living document’, allowing periodic adjustments to accommodate fast-changing technological and socio-economic developments.
“This approach gives us the flexibility to refine and recalibrate our strategies without waiting for the plan’s 10-year period to conclude,” he said, noting that rapid advances in fields such as next-generation artificial intelligence, integrated engineering, biotechnology, quantum science and green technologies continue to reshape global industries.
Zambry said the plan is anchored on two central pillars – technological progress and the nurturing of human values – both of which must grow concurrently to produce well-rounded, ethical and knowledgeable Malaysians.
He added that artificial intelligence would increasingly influence curriculum development, research priorities, innovation and talent creation, while language proficiency will be further enhanced across universities.
“Bahasa Melayu will continue to be strengthened as a language of knowledge, while English, Mandarin, Tamil, Arabic and the native languages of Sabah and Sarawak will be given broader space in higher education institutions,” he said.
The minister said inclusivity remains a core feature of the plan, including more flexible entry pathways for STPM and matriculation graduates.
“These include expanded admission channels, cross-disciplinary mobility and a wider range of high-impact programmes to support students based on their strengths and aspirations,” he said.
Zambry also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to positioning itself as a regional education hub, supported by improving university rankings and rising international industry collaboration.
He said implementation of the PPTM 2026–2035 would take place in phases and reflects input from more than 8,000 stakeholders nationwide, underscoring its status as a comprehensive national undertaking.
-EDUCATION TVET ASIA