Deputy Minister: PhD research must drive education policy, address modern challenges

KUCHING (Jan 25): Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research, particularly in the field of education, must be planned in a comprehensive and impact-oriented manner to support the development of education policies that address contemporary challenges, said Datuk Abdullah Saidol.

The Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas) said future PhD holders play a crucial role as thinkers who can contribute towards strengthening the nation’s education system.

“PhD studies should be viewed not merely as an academic pursuit, but as a strategic contribution to education development, especially in generating new ideas that are relevant to current realities.

“I urge PhD candidates whose research focuses on education not to concentrate solely on pedagogy, teaching methods and policies, but also to consider humanitarian values, which are increasingly being eroded due to the influence of technology,” he said, according to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

He was speaking at the closing ceremony and dinner of the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)–Terbilang Academy Special PhD Programme (Orientation, Colloquium and Journal Writing Workshop) here last night.

Abdullah pointed out that quality education should go beyond producing academically qualified individuals, and instead nurture citizens who possess emotional intelligence, good manners and strong moral values, in line with Malaysia’s diverse social fabric.

He also called for education research to examine the impact of digital technology, social media and artificial intelligence (AI) on the education landscape.

The Semop assemblyman further emphasised the need to develop education models that are aligned with local contexts, including the realities faced by rural schools, to ensure that efforts to bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas are effective.

According to him, well-researched and comprehensive PhD findings could serve as valuable references for the government, particularly in formulating policies to strengthen the national education system.