Introduction

IPPTN was established by the National Council on Higher Education (MPTN) and was officially launched on 21 August 1997. IPPTN undertakes relevant research to assist in developing and improving public and private higher education institutions and to spur them towards excellence in teaching, publication and research. Although located in USM, IPPTN has succeeded in getting other researchers and higher education institutions to be involved in the research undertaken. IPPTN was established with the aim of strengthening and expanding research efforts in all aspects of higher education research encompassing education policy, curriculum, administration, human resource and employment, infrastructure and the sharing of infrastructure. IPPTN is also actively involved in internationalisation activities. IPPTN often receives invitation from research and higher education administration institutions or centres from abroad to participate in research, especially in those which are comparative in nature. It is hoped that the findings of the research undertaken by IPPTN can be utilised by the relevant parties in Malaysia, such as MPTN, to prepare more substantial plans for the future. In this respect, IPPTN acts as the think-tank for the Department of Higher Education at the MoHE.

Vision

IPPTN’s vision is to be an authoritative research institute involved in the exploration and generation of ideas, approaches and new practices regarding higher education policy both nationally and internationally.

Mission

IPPTN’s mission is to conduct research that is forward-looking in relation to policies and issues of higher education. Such research is conducted to assist efforts in the development and progress of institutions of higher learning in Malaysia towards national and international excellence guided by the motto “Stabilising Policy through Quality Research”.

Aims

The aims of IPPTN are:

• To identify issues and critical challenges related to higher education to help develop institutions of higher learning in Malaysia.
• To conduct research which can help MPTN formulate issues and strategies to develop institutions of higher learning in Malaysia.
• To play a proactive role in identifying issues and problems in the implementation of the National Higher Education Policy.
• Act to become recognized as a body involved in the conduct and coordination of research related to issues of higher education in Malaysia.
• To become a reference and resource centre related to higher education issues and policies nationally and internationally.
• To be recognised as an important conduit between Malaysian higher education researchers at their global counterpart

Action Plan 2006-2010

• Conduct research in higher education within the contexts of changes and challenges consistent with national needs including aspects related to governance in institutions of higher learning, academic development, and student development, the changing academic profession, human resources and research excellence.
• Implement internationalisation activities, establish networks with overseas research organisations and organise and participate in international conferences, workshops, colloquium and symposium.
• Lead human development training activities in education and higher education policy research, particularly involving CLMV countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam).Monitor and assess changing landscape of higher education regionally and globally.
• Act as a centre for the dissemination of information and research output on higher education through printed and electronic publications.
• Trace and identify issues related to the implementation of higher education policies by organising workshops, forums, brainstorming sessions and discourses.