The National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN), Universiti Sains Malaysia, successfully organised the Policy Learning Lab 2026 on 10 February 2026, held from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at IPPTN. This intensive programme brought together IPPTN academics and researchers for a full day of immersive learning focused on translating high-quality research into actionable policy papers.
The lab was designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and practical strategies needed to transform evidence-based research into policy insights that are relevant, impactful, and meaningful for decision makers. Through a carefully structured combination of conceptual discussions and hands-on exercises, IPPTN academics and researchers deepened their understanding of how rigorous research can influence institutional and national policy.
A key highlight of the programme was the engaging and highly insightful training by Dr. Razul Ikmal Ramli, Senior Private Secretary to the Minister of Defence, Ministry of Defence Malaysia. Drawing on his extensive experience in public policy development, Dr. Razul guided participants on bridging gaps between research evidence and policy action. His sessions emphasised practical frameworks for translating data into informed decisions, enabling researchers to maximise the real-world impact of their work.
The Policy Learning Lab 2026 underscores IPPTN’s commitment to nurturing a forward-looking research community, where academics and researchers are empowered to connect rigorous scholarship with societal and policy relevance. By fostering these essential skills, the programme not only strengthened the capacity of IPPTN’s research community but also reaffirmed the Institute’s role as a leading hub for policy-relevant higher education research.
