Universiti Malaya (UM) has proven that Malaysian Higher Education is on par with other world-class Asian universities such as the National University of Singapore, Tsinghua University, Seoul National University, The University of Tokyo etc. The University has made Malaysia proud once again by moving up 4 places from last year to rank 9th in the Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS) University Rankings: Asia (QS-AUR) 2021.
This milestone achievement sees UM breaking into the top 10 Asian universities for the first time since the inauguration of the QS-AUR in 2009. UM has consistently improved its performance by over 30 places over the last 10 years. UM remains the nation’s best in its overall position and 3rd among ASEAN universities. According to QS, UM is placed within the top 2% of the 634 Asian universities ranked in QS-AUR 2021.
UM has improved its rank in six (6) indicators of the QS-AUR 2021, namely - employer reputation, citations per paper, international faculty, staff with PhD, as well as inbound and outbound exchange students. Among the remaining indicators, academic reputation and international research network ranks remain unchanged. Areas requiring attention include faculty-student, international students, and papers per faculty.
In addition, UM is placed first among 35 Malaysian universities ranked in the following indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per paper, international research network, and inbound exchange students.
UM’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Mohd. Hamdi Abd. Shukor thanked the Ministry of Higher Education for the support given which had enabled UM to successfully play a key role in its efforts to raise the profile of Malaysian higher education institutions internationally. He is also grateful for the ongoing commitment from UM’s collaborators, international partners and alumni for their contributions to this success.
“My utmost gratitude also goes to our previous prominent Vice-Chancellors, for today's achievement would not have been possible without the strong foundations built by these great leaders over the years,” Professor Hamdi said.
He also thanked all staff and students for their hard work and dedication to outstanding teaching and research, as their strong support has contributed significantly to the university’s achievement.
“I would also like to thank the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellors and Board of Directors for their unwavering support,” he added.
Professor Hamdi also emphasised that UM’s goal is, and has always been, to strive for excellence by benchmarking itself against outstanding universities with a view to elevate Malaysian higher education, as well as to enhance its reputation as a global player and one of the best universities in the world.
“UM is committed to providing the nation with world-class education on par with other renowned global institutions and becoming the leading choice for higher education among students around the globe.
“UM re-affirms its commitment to be the pride of the nation’s higher education.” ended the Vice-Chancellor.
