PENANG, 1 July 2026 – The National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), successfully held the Professional Development Programme in Higher Education Academic Excellence from 22 to 26 June 2026 at the Royale Chulan Penang Hotel.

The five-day programme brought together 31 participants from Jiangsu Maritime Institute (JMI), China, including heads of departments and academic staff.

The programme aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of Malaysia’s higher education system, vocational education development, academic leadership, teaching and learning innovation, research publication, university–industry collaboration, and cultural exchange. 

The programme began with a sharing session on the Current Situations and Prospects of Higher Vocational Education in Malaysia. The session aimed to provide participants with an overview of Malaysia’s vocational and higher education development, including current practices, institutional approaches, and future directions.

Dr. Zuraida Osman from the School of Educational Studies, USM, shared insights into the development of vocational education in Malaysia, particularly in teaching and research.

This was followed by Moo Keng Hao from ViTrox College, who highlighted the role of university–enterprise collaboration in supporting talent development and practical learning.

In the afternoon, Dr. Shahiza Ahmad Zainuddin from the Department of Polytechnic and Community College, Ministry of Higher Education, shared perspectives on the policy and governance of vocational education in Malaysia, including challenges and future reforms. 

On the second day, participants attended the Workshop on Improving Educator Practical Competence. The workshop aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge of academic leadership, teaching and learning innovation, research, and publication practices.

Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Syamsul Rizal Abd Shukor, Director of CDAE@USM, led a session on innovation and trends in teaching and learning, research, publication, and academic leadership.

In the afternoon, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Yanny Marliana Baba Ismail from USM School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering delivered a session on educational technology innovation and performance strategies, with the aim of exposing participants to new approaches to digital teaching and academic performance improvement. 

Another key highlight of the programme was the Academic Exchange Visits on 24 June 2026. The objective of these visits was to expose participants to USM’s academic, research, and innovation ecosystem.

The delegation visited the School of Computer Sciences, USM, where they learned about academic and research developments in technology and artificial intelligence.

They also visited the Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR), USM, a Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education.

The visit continued at ViTrox Technologies and ViTrox College, where participants gained first-hand exposure to Malaysia’s industry-driven education, innovation, and talent development ecosystem.

On 25 June, the programme continued with a Publication Workshop, which aimed to support participants in improving their academic writing and publication strategies.

Professor Ir. Dr. Abdul Latif Ahmad from the School of Chemical Engineering, USM, who is recognised among the Global Top 1% Most Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate, shared guidance on publishing in the field of science.

The afternoon session was delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Thien Lei Mee, Director of IPPTN, who shared strategies for publishing in the social sciences and humanities.

The programme concluded with a closing session and the awarding of certificates of participation.

In addition to academic sessions, the programme also included a Cultural and Heritage Exchange Programme. 

The objective of this activity was to deepen participants’ appreciation of Malaysia’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage. Participants visited several key attractions, including Penang Hill, The Habitat, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang History Gallery, and the UNESCO World Heritage zone of George Town.

Through this programme, IPPTN USM reaffirmed its commitment to promoting international academic collaboration, capacity building, and cross-cultural learning.

The engagement with Jiangsu Maritime Institute reflects the growing importance of Malaysia–China cooperation in higher education, particularly in strengthening academic excellence, vocational education, research capacity, and global institutional partnerships.

Text: Ahmad Firdaus Ahmad Shabudin & Dr. Sally B Gutierez, National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN), USM/Photo: National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN), USM