Research universities are a natural evolution in the education system and are vital for the nation’s growth in a knowledge-based economy. They are also the natural place where new ideas are explored and to expand knowledge.
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Malaya have evolved to be the following:• Centres which can translate research outcomes into teaching learning curricular;
• Student-centred institutions which combine research with academic programmes;
• Rich learning environments for undergraduate and post-graduate education, and
• Vibrant centres for conducting scholarly pursuits.
The four will also seek to produce Nobel Prize winners and world-class research outputs.
These research universities, said Higher Education Ministry director-general Datuk Prof Dr Hassan Said, must be measured against top universities in the world. Examples of model research universities include University of Tokyo, Harvard, Stanford, Oxford and Cambridge.
"By designating these four institutions as research universities, the government hopes to elevate the number of post-graduates." To do so, they must offer academic programmes which focus on post-graduate teaching, short courses and training.
In terms of research, the universities must also have facilities for technology transfer and technology licensing besides giving high priority to consultancy, research contracts and training contracts.
