“Developed without foreign consultation, the plan represents Malaysia’s expertise in shaping its future in higher education,” Bernama quoted the ministry as saying in a statement.

Developed over nine months by a group of experts led by academic Asma Ismail, the plan focuses on innovation, graduate employability and stronger ties between academia and industry.

The ministry said the plan’s development involved over 8,200 stakeholders in consultations and surveys, a significantly faster process than the previous framework, which took two years to develop.

The research phase included over 240 meetings, 100 reference studies and contributions from 181 individuals, including experts and 22 writers from Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Previously, higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir was reported in December as saying the plan aims to outline a robust education system for the coming decade, providing pathways for university, polytechnic and community college graduates.

Anwar had instructed the ministry to review the existing system and make it in line with current developments in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence and technical and vocational education and training.