A Comparative Study on the Impact of Higher Learning Institution on Industrial Development in Perlis

The establishment of a Higher Learning Institution (HLI) has posed some positive impacts on the community and industry within its vicinity. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Perlis has been established for over 40 years. Therefore, with the concern about the effect of UiTM Cawangan Perlis on the local population, there has been some critical questions that have not been addressed. To what degree does the presence of UiTM Cawangan Perlis affect the industry within its vicinity? This study aims to investigate the growth of industrial development in Perlis due to the existence of this HLI. Data was collected using an online survey which was distributed to 198 respondents selected using systematic sampling from the list of active businesses registered with Kangar Municipal Council. Data collected was analysed and compared with the data collected in the same study carried out in 2007. The result of this study has revealed that UiTM Cawangan Perlis existence has contributed to both direct and indirect impact on the industrial growth, particularly in the revenue generation in the form of gross profit and the supply of highly qualified manpower. It is hoped that the result of this study could be used by UiTM to justify the return of the investment made by the government and strategize the plan for UiTM Cawangan Perlis development and sustainability in the future.