I once had a dream – to transform Universiti Malaysia Kelantan into a Valley of Knowledge, where entrepreneurial minds from all disciplines come together to learn, innovate, and create.
A place where innovative ideas are not just encouraged but nurtured, where problems are seen as opportunities, and where solutions are turned into impactful ventures that make a real difference to people’s lives.
The dream was more than just about starting a business. It was about transforming the way we understand and practise entrepreneurship. From traditional view, small-scale trading and self-employment to an innovation-driven model of entrepreneurship, one that is powered by science, technology, creativity and purpose.
Why Innovation Matters
This dream was driven by a strong belief that innovation is the key for Malaysia to become a developed nation and the places I’ve visited. But it cannot happen by chance. It must be done by design. And universities, especially those like UMK, must take the lead.
For this to happen, we need to build a bridge. A bridge between the world of science and technology, and the world of business. Innovation must be led by those who understand science and technology – our researchers, engineers, data scientists, and inventors.
But they must be supported by those who understand how to create economic and societal values – our economists, business strategists, and entrepreneurs.
And it is not just about having the knowledge. It’s about mindset and awareness. Our scientists and technologists must be trained to understand the real world.
They must be reminded the very reason why we do research in the first place: to solve problems, to generate new knowledge, and ultimately, to make lives better.
Rethinking Academic Culture
This is a reflection, and perhaps a gentle provocation. An invitation to rethink our current academic culture. It’s a call to go beyond the KPIs, beyond the rush for promotions and academic titles.
Success should not only be measured by where we publish, but also by what we solve. We must democratise impact, not just chase citations. In other words, not just “publish or perish,” but impact or become irrelevant.
As one colleague aptly puts it: “We’re solving imaginary problems, in imaginary worlds, for imaginary readers.” That, sadly, captures what academia has become in many places.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
We need a system that dares to change. One that encourages researchers and students to ask bold questions, to collaborate across disciplines, and to work on real-world challenges. One that rewards not just academic output, but real-life outcomes.
Back to the Dream
Let’s go back to the dream. We need reminders because sometimes we forget as we usually do.
The dream was aligned with the very mandate of UMK’s establishment. That was the reason why we created the Faculty of Computing, and why we launched the Ignite Venture Innovation Lab. To become the engine that drives innovation across all our faculties. The goal was clear:
· To connect upstream research with downstream solutions.
· To bring together researchers, students, and business minds into the same space.
· Not just to learn, but to create.
· Not just to write reports, but to build ventures.
Dream Bigger
I remember walking through one of our Entrepreneurship Week events. Most student booths were still selling drinks, snacks, and simple crafts. There’s nothing wrong with that, don’t get me wrong. Every journey starts somewhere.
But I also thought to myself: Let’s dream bigger. Let’s evolve. The world has changed. Our customers have changed. We need to innovate not just in what we sell, but how we sell, how we reach people, and how we create value.
Let’s imagine. Imagine groups of students from different faculties, science, technology, engineering, and business working together.
Combining their technical expertise with business thinking,
Guided by mentors,
Solving real problems,
Creating real solutions,
Building real ventures.
Despite the hurdles, I can see the spark. The spark of innovation ignited by a small group of young and dedicated lecturers who dare to embrace the challenge. They may not be in the limelight but their work matters and I’m grateful to play a small part in this journey.
Leadership Matters
We already have the ingredients. We have bright young lecturers, wise professors, talented students, and a growing base research capabilities. What we need now is clear, empowering vision from the top.
A leadership that enables. That removes barriers and silos. That dares to do things differently.
Because leadership is not just about having a position. It’s about having vision. It’s about having understanding. It’s about listening to wise counsel, and having the courage to challenge the status quo.
Change is never easy.
But then again, progress never is.
It Always Start with a Dream
To end, it was never just my dream. It was and still is ours. I’m confident that the current leadership will continue to carry it forward, in their own way, with new energy and ideas.
After all, building a better future is never the work of one. It’s a shared journey and it is always a work in progress.
Prof. Azizi is a senior academic at MGSEB, UMK (https://mgseb.umk.edu.my) and former university leader with experience in research policy, academic governance, and innovation strategy. He currently teaches and consults on higher education and entrepreneurship, and can be contacted at [email protected].
