11/06/2026
Emerging Challenge: Positioning Communities in the High-Value Economy
A key insight from the AKEPT Leadership Discourse is that Malaysia’s transition from a labour-intensive economy to a high-value, innovation-driven economy must be inclusive, ensuring that communities are not left behind.
Dato’ Seri Zamri Abdul Kadir emphasised the importance of moving from “publication to application”, where research and innovation must translate into industry advancement and social innovation. In parallel, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed highlighted universities as part of a broader ecosystem that empowers SMEs and drives sustainable economic growth.
For the Community Network Office, the emerging challenge is no longer community empowerment alone, but advancing the COMPASSION framework as a bridge connecting empowered communities to innovation ecosystems, industrial value chains, and high-value economic opportunities.
As industries evolve through digitalisation, ESG, and Industry 5.0, COMPASSION serves as the bridge between university expertise, industry needs, and community aspirations—transforming communities from beneficiaries into active contributors to Malaysia’s future economy through value creation.
The next frontier for COMPASSION is not empowerment for participation, but positioning communities for value creation.
update 4/6/2026
