JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 14 — The eleventh series of the Wacana Intelektual MADANI brought renewed urgency to discussions on the future of Malaysian higher education as Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) hosted an insightful forum titled “New Academia: Shifting to Total Factor Productivity” at Dewan Senat, Bangunan Canseleri Sultan Ibrahim.
Jointly organised by the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering and the UTM Council of Professors, the forum featured two eminent panelists. Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, former UTM Vice-Chancellor and one of Malaysia’s most influential higher education policy figures, shared his insights alongside Prof. Ts. Dr. Zainura Zainon Noor, Director of the Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security (IPASA). The session was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Mazura Jusoh.
The dialogue explored a central question: How must Malaysian academia transform in an era of “post-normal time” and rapidly shifting global expectations?
Dato’ Seri Zaini, whose distinguished career spans six federal ministries and over 50 publications, set the tone by introducing the framework of post-normal times, a concept he argued must anchor all future planning for universities.
He described this era as one of complexity, chaos and contradiction, where traditional assumptions no longer hold.
“We are in a post-normal time. The stakes for decision-making are very high, the system is uncertain, and higher education must operate with a completely different mindset,” he said.
Citing climate change, geopolitical shifts, demographic changes and disruptions to conventional degree structures, he emphasised that Malaysian institutions can no longer rely solely on traditional four-year programmes, labour productivity metrics or age-specific student populations.
Universities worldwide now enrol students aged 15 to 90, with adult learners forming the majority in many institutions. At UTM, 40%–50% of current students are postgraduates, reflecting the global shift toward lifelong learning.
Dato’ Seri Zaini highlighted that students aged 24 and below are no longer the majority and that universities must redesign facilities, financial systems and learning pathways to serve multi-generational learners, from working adults to retirees seeking intellectual growth.
He also outlined the coming wave of micro-credential packages, credit banks and flexible entry policies, allowing learners to accumulate credits from global providers before selecting their graduation path.
According to Dato’ Seri Zaini, this approach redefines the university as a centre for post-normal learning ecosystems rather than a fixed venue catering only to school leavers.
A key theme of the forum was the relevance of Total Factor Productivity (TFP), which evaluates efficiency, technology, management and innovation beyond labour output alone.
Dato’ Seri Zaini argued that universities must adopt models integrating artificial intelligence, innovation, operational efficiency, managerial competencies and strategic clarity.
“Productivity is no longer about working harder. Productivity now depends on efficiency, technology and other factors beyond labour,” he said, citing practices in the Netherlands, Singapore and Japan.
He noted that countries with shorter working hours remain global leaders in efficiency because they prioritise smarter work rather than longer hours.
Prof. Ts. Dr. Zainura Zainon Noor complemented the discussion by highlighting the inseparable link between productivity and sustainability.
She explained that TFP should be understood in terms of producing more using fewer resources, including energy and water, while reducing environmental impact.
“When we talk about TFP, it is about producing more using fewer resources. In the academic ecosystem, this means better strategies, more meaningful outcomes and minimising our environmental impact while continuing to grow,” she said.
UTM is already adopting such practices through flexible working arrangements, allowing academic staff to work remotely on selected days to reduce energy use while maintaining output.
Prof. Zainura urged universities to move beyond traditional measures, such as publication counts, and instead assess research based on real-world impact, societal value and the long-term competency of graduates.
Both panelists agreed that the transformation toward TFP requires clear articulation of expected outcomes, strong and communicative leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, smarter use of technology and AI, and greater efficiency in teaching, research and administration.
Prof. Zainura emphasised the importance of collaboration across faculties, with industry partners and within communities. She noted that overlapping programmes with similar content can confuse students, stressing that consolidating programmes and sharing expertise strengthens both efficiency and institutional reputation.
“We can no longer work in silos. Collaboration avoids complications. If we align, we can actually achieve more,” she noted.
She also highlighted the growing value of industry–academia partnerships, particularly in practice-oriented disciplines.
The forum concluded with a shared message: Institutions that embrace transformation deliberately, prioritising TFP, sustainability, flexibility and innovation, are positioned to accelerate national productivity, enhance global competitiveness and produce graduates ready to thrive in a post-normal world.
