This paper considers the role of the "developed" university in Malaysia, as the country embarks on an ambitious social and economic development program. It provides coverage of the formation and growth of universities in developing countries. The challenges of shifting the role of the university from educating an elite to educating the greater population are also considered. The article concludes with three challenges for education as outlined by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in his working paper Vision 2020: the role of education in nurturing national unity and economic democracy; the application of technologies to increase learning and access to education; and the ability of the university to transform itself to meet the needs of a changing society.