Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir said local experts have been brought together in a special committee to draft the plan, which is tailored to current needs and involves collaboration with various stakeholders.

“This matter is being detailed by a committee involving various stakeholders, and the plan is based on our expertise,” he said during a press conference on the ministry’s performance for the year.

“We are no longer relying on foreign consultants to design our education system. We are utilising our experts, who are just as capable as those from abroad.

“This represents a major shift in our higher education system because we understand our country’s needs better.”

Zambry described the drafting of this plan as a “major agenda” for the higher education ministry.

He said while the ministry can take note of what is being done overseas, it is important that local experts and all relevant stakeholders are given priority.

He added that the objective of the plan is to outline a robust education system for the coming decade, providing pathways for university, polytechnic, and community college graduates.

Zambry said his ministry achieved five main points this year.

Apart from producing the nation’s top talent and strengthening the research and innovation ecosystem, he said the ministry has also implemented new approaches to knowledge transfer and sharing programmes.

He added that his ministry has also internationalised the higher education system and enhanced its ecosystem.