IPPTN-USM HOSTS HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY ANALYSIS WORKSHOP TO STRENGTHEN EVIDENCE-INFORMED POLICYMAKING
The National Higher Education Research Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia (IPPTN-USM) organised the Higher Education Policy Analysis Workshop on 13 October 2026 at Sains@USM, bringing together participants for a day of discussions and practical learning on policy processes, policy analysis, and the development of higher education policy briefs.
The workshop featured two distinguished speakers and former directors of IPPTN: Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr. Morshidi Sirat, who is currently an adjunct professor at Sunway University, and Professor Dr. Wan Chang Da, who is currently a professor at Taylor’s University, Malaysia.
The programme was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of policymaking in the higher education sector, the implications of policy decisions, effective policy communication, and the translation of research findings into policy recommendations.
The workshop opened with remarks and context setting by IPPTN-USM Director, Associate Professor Dr. Thien Lei Mee, highlighting the importance of developing policy analytical capacities among university administrators, academic leaders, and higher education stakeholders.
In a fireside chat moderated by Professor Wan, Dato’ Morshidi drew on his decade-long experience in policymaking, including his service as a former Director General of the Ministry of Higher Education.
His sharing offered participants an insider’s perspective on how higher education policies are developed, informed by institutional experience and the evolving relationship between research evidence and policy decisions. He also reflected on policymaking practices in earlier days, particularly the role of evidence-based policymaking in informing policy formulation and implementation.
Dato’ Morshidi highlighted the importance of grounding policy decisions in credible evidence, contextual understanding, and a careful consideration of the needs of higher education institutions and their stakeholders.
The discussion also explored emerging approaches to policymaking in the contemporary landscape. He emphasised that as the policy environment becomes increasingly complex, policymakers must navigate diverse sources of information, competing priorities, and changing institutional and societal expectations. These developments make it essential to critically assess the evidence available, distinguish well-supported conclusions from assumptions, and anticipate the potential implications of proposed interventions.
Dato’ Morshidi stressed the risks and precautions associated with contemporary policymaking in the age of generative artificial intelligence. He said, the availability of information alone does not guarantee sound policy decisions; evidence must be carefully evaluated, interpreted in context, and weighed against potential consequences.
His reflections highlighted the continuing need for critical judgement, methodological rigor, and responsible decision-making in the formulation of higher education policies.
The fireside chat provided participants with an opportunity to connect historical policy experiences with present-day challenges, reinforcing the value of institutional knowledge and evidence-informed judgement in navigating the complexities of higher education governance.
The workshop continued with a lecture and hands-on session led by Professor Wan, who shared his personal experiences in drafting policy papers and translating research insights into actionable policy recommendations. Drawing on his practical experience, he discussed the guiding principles that inform effective policy writing. He emphasized the importance of clearly defining the policy problem, establishing a sound evidence base, understanding the intended audience, and developing recommendations that are relevant, feasible, and responsive to the needs of decision-makers.
Participants were introduced to the major components of policy paper drafting, including identifying and framing a policy issue, presenting supporting evidence, analysing the underlying causes and implications of the problem, considering possible policy options, and formulating clear recommendations. The session highlighted the need for policy papers to communicate complex research findings in a concise, structured, and accessible manner without compromising analytical depth.
The hands-on workshop enabled participants to apply these principles in outlining and developing individual policy briefs. By connecting policy analysis with practical writing exercises, the session encouraged participants to move beyond describing research findings towards identifying their implications for policy and practice.
Professor Wan’s sharing reinforced the importance of aligning the substance of a policy paper with the needs of its intended readers. He said, effective policy communication requires not only credible research but also a clear explanation of why an issue matters, what options are available, and how recommended actions can address the identified problem.
The workshop concluded with a question-and-answer session, and closing remarks by Dr. Thien. Through its combination of expert dialogue, professional insights, and applied policy writing, the workshop provided a platform for participants to deepen their understanding of policymaking and strengthen their capacity to develop research-informed policy recommendations.
Organised by IPPTN-USM, the Higher Education Policy Analysis Workshop reflects the institute’s commitment to strengthening policy research, developing institutional capacity, and supporting informed dialogue on issues shaping higher education in Malaysia.