PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has posed questions about the status of commercialisation projects for research and development at public universities, along with the use of citation frequency as a criterion for professorship.
During the Dewan Rakyat session on Thursday (Nov 9), he directed an additional query to Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal.
Dr. Wee inquired, “Firstly, in the commercialisation of research and development in universities, what percent contributes to the university’s income?
Secondly, one of the most crucial criteria for a university’s ranking is the number of citations and publications in reputable international journals. Are these aspects taken into consideration when conferring the title of professor?”
In a video of the session posted by Dr. Wee on his official TikTok account, Mohammad Yusof responded that various approaches are adopted in R&D commercialisation, including collaboration with local and international companies in Malaysia.
He added, “We want it to be an additional source for universities to earn an extra income. At the same time, we want the result to improve technology in our own country and industries.”
“However, I do not have any details on the matter and will give you a written answer,” Mohammad Yusof concluded.
