PM sets three targets for higher education system

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak wants the nation's higher education system to excel in three categories – balanced, talent and global standards benchmarking.
He said that Malaysia's graduates must be well-rounded, balanced individuals who can use their knowledge and intelligence for the greater good.
"They must be instilled with positive traits, so that they do not misuse their knowledge, for example in making bombs, and could destroy our country.
"In order to do that, we must monitor our performance against international benchmarks. We want to be among the top third in the world in higher education – that is our target," Najib said at the launch of the Higher Education Sector Blueprint (PPPM-PT) 2015-2025.
The blueprint aims to upgrade the education sector to meet the challenges of a modern world.
Najib added the blueprint also aimed to ensure greater autonomy for universities.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the blueprint will have 10 core thrusts to produce graduates who are all-rounders, holistic and have the mind of an entrepreneur.
"It includes the provision of a robust action plan to address the challenges of the higher education sector to make Malaysia a leading education hub at the international level," Muhyiddin said.
Muhyiddin, who is also education minister said the thrusts proposed are emphasising career excellence, nurturing higher education talent, promoting lifelong learning and producing graduates of high quality.
"The rest are financial sustainability, strengthening governance, strengthening the ecosystem, producing a globally renowned (higher education) system and online learning globally, and transforming the higher education system," Muhyiddin said.
Muhyiddin said the objectives can be realised through the concerted efforts of the ministry and with the support of all strata of society.