UKM Leads Global Collaboration Drive To Boost Graduate Employability, Financial Sustainability

PUTRAJAYA, March 26 (Bernama) -- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has moved to future-proof its education and research ecosystem by convening a high-level International Industry Advisory Council (IIAC), comprising global experts, to chart new strategies for talent development, advanced research and financial sustainability for universities in a rapidly changing world.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Sufian Jusoh said the inaugural IIAC meeting brings together 16 distinguished professionals from sectors such as semiconductors, healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI), finance, economics and trade, representing countries that include the United States, Germany, Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia.

He described the council as a strategic platform to tap global expertise and accelerate reforms needed to strengthen universities’ resilience, particularly in addressing funding challenges and preparing graduates for international careers.

"This is the first time UKM has established such a council, bringing together experts from around the world to provide direct input into our Strategic Plan 2026-2030.

"We are not only looking at strengthening research and education, but also at creating resilient human capital, advancing digitalisation and ensuring universities remain financially sustainable in the long term,” he told a press conference after the council's first session here today.

He stressed that universities must adapt to new realities, including reduced reliance on traditional funding sources and the growing need to commercialise innovation.

"Universities today cannot depend solely on government funding. We must explore new revenue streams through intellectual property commercialisation, venture capital initiatives and crowdfunding to support our long-term sustainability," he added.

Sufian said UKM is also exploring emerging areas such as AI prompting and advanced technologies, while strengthening digital and physical infrastructure to support modern learning and research environments.

He said the university is expanding its global outreach strategy to diversify student markets and enhance programme visibility beyond traditional regions.

“We are looking to widen the appeal of our programmes to new regions, including Northern and Eastern Africa such as Kenya, Egypt and Morocco, while strengthening collaboration with partners in Latin America," he added.

He noted that enhancing graduate employability remains the council’s core priority, with a focus on preparing students not only for the Malaysian job market but for opportunities worldwide.

Meanwhile, international advisory member from Costa Rica, Dr Roberto Echandi, said the initiative demonstrates Malaysia’s growing leadership in fostering global academic and policy dialogue at a time of rapid technological change and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

"In today’s globalised environment, universities must work closely with industry and policymakers to respond to technological disruption and economic transformation.

"Malaysia has made remarkable progress over the past decades, and initiatives like this show strong leadership in building inclusive global partnerships," he said.

The IIAC underscores UKM’s drive to build global partnerships and develop future-ready talent for Malaysia’s economy.

It also plays a crucial role in advancing UKM’s mission to strengthen the national higher education ecosystem through industry linkages, innovation and global talent development.

It also supports the university’s strategic framework, TEKAD 57 UKM 2026-2030, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

-- BERNAMA