The University of Bristol, UK has integrated industry collaboration into its academic programmes, one of many universities which advocate a porous campus model, encouraging digital agility and entrepreneurial skills among its students.
The question arises: Are students being prepared to face the challenges that confront them in the working world of industry and finance, or has more to be done to prepare them? With a vision that is deeply rooted in creating what he terms a ‘social business enterprise’, Chan says universities such as HELP play a critical role in fostering innovation and supporting economic growth, particularly in the rural areas through this porous campus approach.Hailey said students have to be exposed to the realities and complexities of business
Chan felt that in readying students to address ‘wicked problems’ – defined as complex, often unresolvable issues – we are encouraging them to think outside traditional academic boundaries. Built in the heart of the city, this campus fosters inclusivity and openness, with no barriers between the university and the public.
The porous concept could be integrated into Malaysian universities, with a model that offers a similar opportunity to support regional development, strengthen ties to the grassroots communities that these universities serve, and collaborate with the local people to solve challenges using technologies such as AI.