KOTA TINGGI, Sept 9 — The Higher Education Ministry proposed higher learning institutions (IPTs) always go down to the field, in an effort to help the community resolve local issues.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said IPTs need to be proactive in implementing initiatives, thus strengthening their role and contribution by imparting available knowledge, expertise and technology to the community.
“It is something the ministry hopes for, that every university in the country, including Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), will continue engaging with the community through outreach programmes.
“(This is because) the knowledge and expertise obtained from researchers should be applied by the community,” he said, when launching UPM’s Agricultural Entrepreneur Community Development and Social Innovation programme here today.
Also present were state Education, Information and Communication Committee chairman Norlizah Noh and UPM deputy vice-chancellor (academic and international) Prof Ismi Arif Ismail.
The Kota Tinggi MP said an issue presently receiving attention is food security, which requires IPTs’ expertise to resolve.
He also hopes Kota Tinggi could become a field laboratory, or one of UPM’s agricultural development and food security stations, to sustain the effort.
“I feel it is necessary for us to connect with the community of Kota Tinggi, which is largely involved in agricultural and animal husbandry activities. It is the best approach in our efforts to develop and advance Kota Tinggi.
“By solving these issues, we can increase production and generate more income for the community,” he said.
— Bernama
