SHAH ALAM, Nov 13 — The state government has allocated RM1 million to implement the Selangor Research Grant to strengthen data-driven policymaking and leverage local expertise.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said the grant, administered by the Selangor Research Institute, will bring together expertise from several local universities to support the state’s development agenda under the Second Selangor Plan (RS-2).
The experiences of implementing the First Selangor Plan (RS-1) have provided important lessons for the state government on the need for more structured, data-driven medium-term planning.
“The government's role is to mobilise the strengths of the academic community, including students and researchers, while building the capacity of the civil service team, rather than relying on external parties with the expertise to make piecemeal policy recommendations,” he said when tabling the 2027 Selangor Budget during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
Amirudin added that the grant will also be aligned with the development missions outlined in RS-2 to strengthen Selangor's research and policy planning capabilities.
Meanwhile, the state government will establish the Selangor University Network Council (SUNC) as a strategic platform to strengthen cooperation among public universities in shaping the direction of higher education in Selangor.
The council is intended to address the silo mentality in the higher education sector, which could disadvantage students and lecturers.
SUNC will bring together university expertise to examine industry changes and strengthen collaboration to shape the future of education.
“Initial efforts will focus on best practices, talent development, and strengthening innovation in education,” he said.
Amirudin noted that the initiative aims to establish an internationally recognised higher education system and produce a new generation capable of competing on the global stage.
