Universities must embrace new ways of exploring the potential of the best ideas and research, especially through collaborative efforts with the private and public sectors, said higher education minister.

Mohamed Khaled Nordin said however, universities must be aware of the opportunities as well as the limitations.

Universities cannot flourish if their leaders merely look to the corporate sector as examples without understanding their strengths and weaknesses, he said when opening the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Research, Invention and Innovation Exhibition (IRRIE 2010) in Gombak yesterday.

His text of speech was read by his deputy Dr Hou Kok Chung.

Mohamed Khaled said universities were encouraged to foster closer collaboration with industries so that the up-take of the innovations can be facilitated.

"I would like to encourage all universities to have a good innovation ecosystem, where researchers, students and industrial partners work hand in hand to produce ideas that will eventually yield benefits to society, not just economically, but in a more comprehensive manner," he said.

On innovation and creativity, he said, a developed society must exhibit not just technological achievements, but more importantly reflect the capacity to organise their societies and exhibit the values which are of the highest moral and intellectual standards.

"By developing novel ideas in the humanities and social sciences as well as reinterpreting those ideas from the past, we may benefit from their wisdom," he said.

He said the great traditions of learning in Islam emphasised the virtues of comprehensive approach, where the values and meaning of different subjects and disciplines were recognised for their multi-dimensional contribution to the development of society.

Speaking to reporters later, IIUM rector Syed Arabi Idid said the university was planning to set up an innovation and technology park at either at the main campus or Pahang campus to exhibit its innovations in various fields.

A proposal on the plan will be submitted to the government for consideration under the 10th Malaysia Plan, he added.

- Bernama