Higher Education Ecosystem Enhanced Through Digital Libraries  – Zambry

CYBERJAYA, April 16 (Bernama) -- Efforts to strengthen the nation’s higher education ecosystem are being intensified through the implementation of digital libraries across all universities and polytechnics in Malaysia.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the initiative aims to accelerate access to reference materials and facilitate learning and research processes among students and lecturers.

“We are planning to ensure that all universities and polytechnics have digital libraries, and I can say that almost all universities are already equipped with their own digital libraries.

“Like the one at University of Cyberjaya (UoC), which adopts a similar approach, we hope it will expand knowledge resources and references, enabling educational processes or research to be completed more efficiently,” he said.

He said this to reporters after attending the launch ceremony of the upgraded UoC Digital Library here today.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cyberjaya Education Group Berhad Tan Sri Mohd Shahrom Nordin said the upgraded library contributes meaningfully to strengthening the overall academic experience, enhancing research capabilities and supporting the holistic development of UoC students.

“The upgrading of this library is part of our broader effort to ensure that our institutions remain relevant, responsive and aligned with the changing needs of both learners and industry.

“The upgraded library has been thoughtfully designed to support modern learning practices and provides improved access to digital resources, alongside dedicated spaces for collaboration, research and independent study,” he said in his speech.

He noted that in today’s increasingly digital and interconnected knowledge landscape, such facilities play a crucial role in supporting both academic excellence and innovation.

“At its core, this initiative is about our students. We want to ensure that they are equipped not only with knowledge, but also with the tools, resources and environment needed to succeed in an increasingly complex and competitive world,” he added.

Designed as a modern, digital-first academic library, the upgraded facility represents a shift from a traditional book-centric model to a more collaborative and technology-enabled knowledge hub.

With the capacity to accommodate approximately 600 students at any one time, the library provides a balanced environment for quiet study, group discussion and interdisciplinary engagement among students, academics and industry partners.

The upgraded facility also offers access to 22,309 physical volumes and more than 29 million digital resources, including academic databases and e-journals that support a wide range of disciplines and research needs.

The project involved a total investment of approximately RM1.49 million, reflecting the university’s continued commitment to strengthening its academic infrastructure and improving the overall student learning experience.

Key facilities include collaborative discussion areas, smart learning rooms, quiet study zones, digital access terminals and flexible learning spaces that support both individual and group learning needs.

-- BERNAMA