USM Participation in Policy-Focused Research with Government Agencies

Universiti Sains Malaysia actively undertakes policy-focused research in collaboration with government departments, contributing directly to national policy formulation, implementation, and monitoring. In 2024, USM led and participated in several government-linked research partnerships that supported the development and review of national policies in public health and higher education sustainability.

Collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)
At the national policy level, USM led the Development of the Higher Education Institutions Sustainability Policy (Dasar Kelestarian Institusi Pendidikan Tinggi, DK-IPT), mandated by the Ministry of Higher Education. The project, launched in late 2023 and continued throughout 2024, was led by Professor Dr. Azlan Amran, USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Industry and Community Network, with Professor Dr. Saidatulakmal Mohd as Co-Researcher.
In 2024, a key stakeholder engagement session was held in Putrajaya on 8 November 2024, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Education, Yayasan MySDG, and various public and private universities. The DK-IPT research aims to institutionalise sustainability across Malaysia’s higher education sector through the Whole Institution Approach (WIA), focusing on five pillars: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership.

Collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH)

USM strengthened its research partnership with the Ministry of Health Malaysia through active participation in the National Dental Policy and Planning Committee (Jawatankuasa Dasar dan Perancangan Kesihatan Pergigian, JDPKP) No. 4/2024, held from 25 to 27 August 2024 in the Federal Territory of Labuan. The committee, chaired by the Senior Director of Oral Health, focused on policy research aligned with the National Oral Health Strategic Plan 2022–2030.
USM’s representative, Associate Professor Dr. Norkhafizah Saddki from the School of Dental Sciences, co-developed and presented the Oral Health Simplified Education Module (OHSEM), an evidence-based policy education framework promoting preventive oral healthcare practices nationwide. This collaboration reflects USM’s contribution to national health governance through applied research and technical advisory roles in policy development.

Through these research collaborations, USM demonstrates the existence of active, policy-focused research in partnership with government ministries, fulfilling the criteria of this indicator. These projects have measurable national impact, informing the development of the National Oral Health Strategic Plan under the Ministry of Health and the Higher Education Sustainability Policy under the Ministry of Higher Education. Collectively, these efforts showcase USM’s leadership in translating research into actionable policy frameworks that advance Malaysia’s commitments to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).