MALAYSIAN GOVT TO SET UP SOCIAL SCIENCE UNIVERSITY BY 2020

PUTRAJAYA, June 7 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Higher Education plans to set
up a research university devoted to the advancement of knowledge and education
in social science by 2020, said its minister, Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said the university would complement nation building efforts and the
enrichment of civilisation.

The country cannot depend merely on science and technology research for
social sciences research are also required in the pursuit of unity, racial
harmony and socio-economic development, he told reporters after launching the
second phase of the National Higher Education Strategic Plan (PSPTN) 2011-2015
here Tuesday.

He said the social science university would be chosen from among 15 out of
20 public institutions of higher learning (IPTAs).

Besides the 15 IPTAs, the country has five IPTAs focusing on science and
technology.

In his speech, Mohamed Khaled said the PSPTN outlined five focus, namely
strengthening human capital efforts, enhancing creativity and innovation,
maximising ecosystem of higher education, exploiting globalisation and
transforming the leadership of institutions of higher learning.

He said the launch marked the second phase of the PSPTN in spearheading two
core areas.

"Firstly, it indicates that we managed to lay a solid foundation for the
first phase of the PSPTN implementation.

"Secondly, the success ensures continuity of the PSPTN foray in which 23
Critical Agenda Projects (CAPS) under phase one will continue to be implemented
and monitored," he said.

The PSPTN was launched in August 2007 by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the then
former prime minister in efforts to transform higher education towards nurturing
first class human capital which could play a key role in the march towards a
developed nation status by 2020.