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Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysia Higher Education Development Plan (RPTM) 2026–2035 is a key strategic blueprint to strengthen the nation’s higher education system, particularly in addressing student dropout issues and expanding learning opportunities in Sabah.

University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor said the RPTM, introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education and reaffirmed by the Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, was designed as a dynamic policy document driven through multi-stakeholder collaboration, grounded in humanitarian values and nation-building.

He said the whole-of-nation approach that underpins the RPTM has a direct impact on Sabah, as the state faces challenges such as vast geographical coverage, gaps in access to education, logistical and digital constraints, rising living costs, and the need for some students to enter the workforce early. 

These factors have caused some students to drop out or be unable to continue their studies despite receiving offers of admission.

“This situation requires the higher education system in Sabah to be designed with greater flexibility and inclusivity, in line with local realities, so that access to education can be sustained,” he said in a statement on Friday. 

He added that the emphasis on student development in the RPTM is crucial, as the success of higher education should be measured by the ability to retain students until graduation and ensure graduates are competitive in the job market.

“For Sabah, this effort requires comprehensive support encompassing academic, financial, psychosocial, and welfare aspects to reduce the risk of dropouts, particularly among students from rural and remote areas,” he said. 

The introduction of the Academic Bank Credits (ABC) system was also identified as a key mechanism to address dropout issues. Through flexible learning across institutions, modes, and study durations, students are allowed to temporarily defer their studies without losing their academic pathway. This approach provides students with the space to balance family responsibilities, employment, and learning.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive education continues to be strengthened following the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the exemption of tuition fees for approximately 3,000 persons with disabilities (OKU) studying at public universities, polytechnics, and community colleges.

This is complemented by an increase in free education quotas and PTPTN scholarships to 10,000 students from hardcore poor families.

Kasim said these targeted measures are highly significant for Sabah in ensuring that economic constraints do not continue to be a cause of student dropouts among those with potential.

He also stressed the importance of synergy between Polytechnics, Community Colleges (POLYCC), and UMS in expanding learning opportunities through the development of progressive education pathways, including credit transfers, bridging programmes, and the implementation of ABC, all of which can help reduce student attrition.

In line with UMS’s aspiration as the ‘BRAIN of Borneo’, the university plays a role as a regional driver of knowledge, innovation, and leadership through the implementation of work-based learning as well as upskilling and reskilling initiatives aligned with Sabah’s key sectors to enhance graduate employability.

“UMS is committed to realising the aspirations of RPTM 2026–2035 through a Sabah-centric approach to ensure that no Sabahan, including persons with disabilities and those from hardcore poor families, is left behind in accessing education and self-development opportunities,” he said.