PENANG, 24 April 2024 – The National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN) and the USM Research and Innovation Division organised the Policy Learning-Lab 2025: ‘Bridging the Gap: Formulating the Policy Papers for Policymakers’, held at the Banquet Hall, Chancellery II, USM.

The programme was designed to strengthen researchers’ capacity to translate evidence-based research into policy papers that are relevant, practical, and impactful to stakeholders. Nearly 60 researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds—including natural sciences, medicine and health, social sciences, humanities, and education—attended the initiative, exposing them to conceptual approaches, best practices, and hands-on training in policy paper development.

Dr Razul Ikmal Ramli, Senior Private Secretary to the Minister of Defence, Ministry of Defence Malaysia, was invited to share his extensive experience in public policy development across areas such as higher education governance, water law and sustainability, public sector innovation, and nation-building. His presentations focused on “Bridging the Gaps in Evidence-Based Policy Papers” and “From Data to Decision: Translating Evidence-Based Research into Effective Policy Papers”, outlining strategies and best practices for turning research findings into effective policy input.

In addition, Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr Morshidi Sirat from IPPTN, a former Director-General of Higher Education and policy expert, shared insights on “Evidence-Based Policy Reforms: Envisioning the Research–Policy Partnerships.” He emphasised the importance of building strategic relationships between researchers and policymakers based on shared objectives, mutual trust, and a flexible yet structured framework for collaboration.

In her welcoming remarks, Professor Dr Habibah A. Wahab, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), expressed her confidence that the programme forms part of USM’s initiative to empower researchers with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully and effectively to national and global policy development. She also highlighted the hope that this lab would catalyse continued dialogue and collaboration between researchers and policymakers for the betterment of society and the nation as a whole.