Give incentives to get more grads into research, govt told

The upcoming 2027 federal budget should prioritize initiatives that foster educational equity, talent development, and the practical application of research, according to Shahir Liew, the chairman of the Asian Institute for Policy and Engagement. Liew emphasizes that access to education remains crucial for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and the government must prevent financial barriers from denying these students opportunities.

To meet its goal of 200 researchers, scientists, engineers, and technologists (RSET) per 10,000 workforce members, the government should create programs that attract graduates to research-focused roles and provide postgraduate pathways. Liew points out that postgraduate enrollment in December 2025 reached about 114,600 students, accounting for roughly 9% of higher-education enrollment.

While the majority of Malaysia's researchers currently work in industry, the country still lags behind with only 55 researchers per 10,000 workforce members in 2023, as reported by the Malaysian Science and Technology Information Centre (Mastic). Liew suggests that flexible, part-time, and industry-integrated postgraduate research programs could help convert existing expertise into research and innovation capabilities.

He also advocates for a stronger collaboration between universities, industry, government, and society, funded through resources set aside for this purpose.

Additionally, Liew proposes expanding tax incentives for companies that invest in talent development to include employer-sponsored postgraduate research.