SANDAKAN: Public opinion will be taken into account in the review of the Higher Education Strategic Plan (PSPTN) to ensure its implementation will stay relevant with the current situation.
PSPTN chief researcher Prof Dr Mohamad Kamal Harun said efforts to get public opinion were done through the Public Aspiration Survey Programme, which began on Oct 20 and would end on Oct 29.
“Through the survey, we will know what the public expect from the national higher education system based on the seven thrusts of the PSPTN.
“Their opinions will help us improve and strengthen the seven thrusts,” he told reporters after attending the programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah here yesterday.
The seven thrusts of the PSPTN are widening access and increasing equity; improving the quality of teaching and learning; enhancing research and innovation; strengthening of higher education institutions; intensifying internationalisation; enculturation of lifelong learning; and reinforcing the Education Ministry’s delivery system.
Mohamad Kamal said the PSPTN, which was launched six years ago, was now on entering the second phase with the review being carried out in line with the development in higher education and changes in the country’s economic, social, technology
and political landscapes and policies.
He said it was also in accordance with the merging of the Education Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry.
“It is to create a more structured and organised education system from primary up to the tertiary level,” said Mohamad Kamal, who is also Universiti Malaysia Kelatan vice-chancellor.
He said the overall review of the PSPTN began in March and was expected to be completed around June next year.
Apart from the public opinion, the review would also take into account suggestions from academicians and prominent figures in the education sector, he added. — Bernama