Dr Wee questions university’s R&D commercialisation progress

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has asked about the progress made with research and development commercialisation projects at public universities and the use of citation frequency as a criterion of professorship.

On Thursday (Nov 9), he asked Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal this as an additional question in the Dewan Rakyat.

“Firstly, in the commercialisation of research and development in universities, what percent contributes to the university’s income?

“Secondly, one of the most essential criteria of a university’s ranking is the number of citations and publications in reputable international journals? Are these aspects taken into consideration when giving someone the title of professor,” said Dr Wee.

In a video of the session shared by Dr Wee on his official TikTok account, Mohammad Yusof replied that in the matter of R&D commercialisation, various approaches are taken, including collaboration with local and international companies in Malaysia.

“We want it to be an additional source for universities to earn an extra income. At the same time, we want the result also to be able to improve the technology in our own country and our own industries.

“However, I do not have any details on the matter and will give you a written answer,” said Mohammad Yusof.