Malaysian universities advised to have industrial collaborations

Higher Education Ministry is encouraging universities to collaborate with industries to enhance learning and teaching experience and promote problem solving skills.

The Higher Education Ministry is reported to express commitment to improving higher education sector by collaborating with various industries to improve the quality of graduates, thus improving their employability.

According to Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, universities need to offer a balance of academics and industrial experience to ensure that graduates have the right experience and skills relevant to their field of study and the industry.

"The collaboration effort is done to ensure universities understand the industry and vice-versa, as well as to boost research and innovation,” he said. Additionally, specialised universities will develop a better understanding of their respective industries.

The minister spoke about this development at the 18^th Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology Leadership Lecture Series in UiTM earlier today, NST reported.

The event was attended by Toray Industries Inc, Japan.

Idris cited the works of the Japanese incorporation as an example of best practice and that students in Malaysia should not just learn about the Japanese style of management, they need to have first-hand experience in the Japanese way of management and research and development.

Academics, through this collaboration, will be able to enhance learning and teaching in universities and promote higher order thinking skills, understanding and problem solving skills.

"We must be able to inculcate other values such as entrepreneurial and communication skills, which are practical for the work life," he added.