KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — The Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) will review the implementation of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan repayment exemption for first-class bachelor’s degree graduates from B40 and M40 households at private higher education institutions (IPTS).
Its minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said the move is necessary as the academic evaluation systems at IPTS are not standardised like those at public universities (IPTA), hence the need for a more detailed mechanism before a final decision can be made.
“This does not mean the government is rejecting the possibility, but we must ensure that the mechanism used for IPTS is fair, accurate, and takes into account the differences in evaluation systems among institutions,” he said when winding up the debate on the 2026 Supply Bill (Budget 2026) for MOHE at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Zambry added that currently, the loan repayment exemption policy applies only to first-class graduates from B40 and M40 households at IPTA.
Meanwhile, the government is realigning the entire ecosystem of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), including integrating new technologies and ensuring that programmes offered by higher education institutions are aligned with industry demands.
The key reforms include introducing the concept of embedded artificial intelligence (AI) and integrating AI into all TVET curricula at polytechnics, community colleges, and related institutions to prepare Malaysia’s workforce for the global technology revolution.
He said the initiative is being strengthened through collaborations with global industry players, including Geely and BYD, which are investing heavily in Malaysia’s automotive, electrical, and high-tech sectors.
“These collaborations include technology transfer, trainer development, long-term industrial training, joint curriculum development, and the adoption of a two-year industry and two-year university model to enhance graduate employability,” Zambry said.
In addition, the MOHE will introduce a new subject, General Studies (MPU), at universities, focusing on character building, worldview development, and ethical understanding as part of holistic student formation.
The new subject would serve as a core element in producing graduates who are not only highly skilled but also possess strong identity, intellect, and moral grounding, along with a deep understanding of societal values and contemporary challenges.
“This new approach will link character formation from preschool and school levels, as outlined by the Education Ministry (MOE), with the continued development of intellect and character at the university level,” he said.
