KUCHING – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies must be planned holistically and designed with clear impact to ensure they meaningfully contribute to the development of education policies that are relevant to current needs.
Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), said PhD candidates form an important group of critical thinkers who can help strengthen Malaysia’s education system.
He urged them to view their research as a strategic contribution to national development, particularly in producing new ideas that address contemporary challenges.
“I urge those pursuing a PhD and conducting research related to education not to focus only on pedagogy, teaching methods and policies, but also to pay attention to human values that are increasingly eroded by the influence of technology and other factors,” he said.
He made the remarks during the Closing and Dinner Ceremony of the Special Programme under the Strategic Partner Model of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)–Terbilang Academy, held at the Aminuddin Baki Institute on Saturday.
Datuk Abdullah explained that quality education should not only produce highly skilled individuals but also nurture people with emotional intelligence, good character and noble values. He stressed that education must reflect Malaysia’s diverse racial, religious and cultural composition to ensure inclusivity and social cohesion.
He also encouraged researchers to study the impact of digital technology, social media and artificial intelligence (AI) on education, noting that these elements are reshaping learning environments and influencing student behaviour.
The Semop State Assemblyman (ADUN) further highlighted the need to develop education models that are tailored to local contexts, including rural realities. He said this is essential in bridging the gap between urban and rural communities and ensuring equal access to quality education.
According to him, comprehensive and well-structured PhD research can serve as an important reference for policymakers, particularly in strengthening education strategies and adapting them to evolving needs.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Dr Ishak Johari, Executive Chairman of Terbilang Academy Sarawak and Coordinator of the Postgraduate Strategic Partner Special Programme, as well as Dr Hishamudin Abdul Rahman, Head of the Department of the Faculty of Computer Science and META-Technology at UPSI.
Their presence highlighted the collaboration between academic institutions and policymakers in shaping the future of education.
