RPTM 2026-2035 To Strengthen IPT Governance, Benefit Students - Higher Eduation DG

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035 will strengthen governance in higher education institutions (IPTs) through a more accountable, transparent and impact-focused approach, ensuring that its implementation truly benefits students and stakeholders, according to the Higher Education director-general.

Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman said that although most universities enjoy autonomy, continuous monitoring is still necessary to ensure that every initiative under RPTM is translated into effective action at the institutional level.

“University autonomy must come with accountability. The Department of Higher Education (JPT) will play a role in monitoring, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring that RPTM is understood and implemented consistently across all IPTs.

“Whether public or private, universities must collectively drive this change. Many discussions took place prior to the launch of RPTM. The action plan has already begun, so we are very positive and proactive in ensuring that the changes we implement are felt and seen by society,” she said.

She said this as a guest on the Bernama TV programme Apa Khabar Malaysia, in an episode titled ‘RPTM 2026-2035: Driving a Leap in National Higher Education’, aired today.

Azlinda said RPTM, drawn up with a comprehensive assessment of the existing system, outlined 10 strategic leaps comprising 41 strategies and 128 initiatives, with initial emphasis on the first three years (2026-2028).

“This curriculum-focused approach will continue to be strengthened in collaboration with industry to produce holistic, future-ready graduates with high capabilities to contribute to national development,” she said.

She added that an outcome-based approach is the core of RPTM, particularly in improving graduate quality, employability and competitiveness in an increasingly challenging job market. 

To ensure that RPTM does not just look impressive on paper, Azlinda said periodic monitoring will be conducted with measurable indicators to assess the effectiveness of the policy, including the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency.

She also highlighted that a key reform under RPTM is strengthening university collaboration to ensure curricula remain aligned with current needs, as well as providing students early exposure to the workforce through industrial training, industry-based learning, and teaching factory concepts on campus.

“In fact, various curriculum collaborations with industry have already been implemented, and we already have teaching factories on campuses where industry has set up so-called mini-factories. Through these collaborations, students engage in hands-on training, especially in universities under the Malaysian Technical University Network,” she said.

In an effort to make higher education more inclusive and flexible, Azlinda said RPTM also introduces a lifelong learning approach through modular learning, credit transfer between universities and industry, and the expansion of micro-credentials.

“Higher education is no longer limited to a single traditional pathway. Students can study according to their needs, time and interests, whether to obtain a micro-credential, diploma, or degree,” she said, adding that this approach makes higher education more accessible to all segments of society and age groups, in line with future economic needs.

On internationalisation, Azlinda said RPTM 2026–2035 also emphasises strengthening the global standing of local universities, not merely through rankings, but as recognition of the quality of Malaysia’s education and research.

“The achievements of local universities on the international stage are a major attraction for foreign students and demonstrate the capability of Malaysia’s higher education system,” she said.

She said RPTM reflects the government’s commitment to making higher education a key driver of national progress, social mobility and shared prosperity, with the support of various ministries and relevant agencies.

-- BERNAMA