KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Ministry urges private higher education providers to set up more overseas campuses to propel Malaysia towards becoming a regional and global player in academic and research excellence.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the need for cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge-sharing had become increasingly important, adding that the country's education system, programmes and academics must be offered to talents beyond Malaysian borders.
"Our goal of internalisation at the ministry is not just about attracting international students as a higher education and talents hub.
"It also entails promoting cultural exchange, creating new partnerships, and developing global citizens.
"To do that, we must expand our horizons and look beyond," he said at the soft launch of the UCSI University Bangladesh campus here, today.
UCSI University Bangladesh will be based in its capital city of Dhaka, with operations starting in May this year.
Khaled in his speech said this transnational initiative was a hallmark of knowledge diplomacy, adding that it was a crucial tool to build bridges, exchange ideas and foster mutual understanding between nations and communities.
He also said the opening of the new international campus would increase access and equity for human capital development.
"The establishment of this branch campus will provide many more educational and research opportunities for local Bangladeshis and students across the region.
"It increases access to high-quality education that can help them reach their full potential and achieve their goals without having to leave their home country."
He said this move by UCSI University was a leading model for other private higher education institutions across Malaysia to broaden their horizons.
Khaled also invited the industry to give recommendations on how the Higher Education Ministry could provide incentives to successful higher education institutions.
"Examples of this include introducing matching grants for doctoral degree training, providing access to various data in the spirit of knowledge-sharing, increasing joint research funding and various other innovation incentives."