In fact, the designation of the university as an APEX university is likely to draw the institution even further away from regional engagement. They provide access for large numbers of the region’s students and graduate students many of whom remain within the region for employment. Through student engagement in the region through internships, volunteer activities, and other ways, the institutions have an impact on the region. Except for basic information on numbers of admissions, enrolment and graduates, no substantive information was available on the branch of UiTM in Penang, the two polytechnics, the four community colleges, and private institutions in Penang and on higher education institutions in the three other states (Perlis, Kedah and Perak) in the larger Northern Corridor Economic Region. The findings and observations are therefore based on a limited perspective on higher education institution in the region.