Latest news with #NoorAzuan
The Star
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Review entry mechanisms'
PETALING JAYA: Outstanding students have had their applications to Universiti Malaya's critical courses rejected via the Unit Pusat Universiti (UPUOnline) centralised admission system, only to be given the same offer again under the direct entry system, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic). He said he has proof of such cases in which students who failed to get a place through UPUOnline were offered a place for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) under the Satu (open channel) route. Dr Wee cited a case of a student with excellent academic results who was denied admission under UPUOnline despite appeals but was later offered the same MBBS seat via Satu – provided he could pay RM300,000. 'This is something out of reach for B40 and M40 families. This is not an isolated incident. MCA has evidence of multiple cases. 'Such situations show how the system discriminates against students from B40 and M40 families who cannot afford such fees,' he said in a Facebook post. Dr Wee also said that it would be misleading to compare Satu to international models like UCAS in the United Kingdom or Australia's university system. 'Those systems offer financial aid and transparent data. Malaysia's Satu offers none of these protections. It's just pay – or be excluded. 'MCA never objected to having two admission pathways but we strongly oppose the structural discrimination that effectively excludes deserving students simply because they cannot pay RM300,000. 'That's not meritocracy but more of financial means which becomes the deciding factor,' he said. Dr Wee's criticism came following a statement on Friday by Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman dismissing MCA's concerns as 'misleading'. Dr Noor Azuan had said the dual channel approach was a strategic response for growing demand for limited placements in critical programmes such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. On the fee hikes for students under the Satu channel, Dr Noor Azuan had said the adjustments were necessary to reflect the actual cost of providing high-quality medical education, particularly clinical training, and the maintenance of teaching hospital facilities. Refuting Noor Azuan, Dr Wee said the explanation given was inadequate. 'The vice-chancellor's response completely sidesteps the key issue – how financial ability seems to override merit in the MBBS admissions under Satu.' Dr Wee reiterated MCA's call for the 2025/2026 MBBS intake through Satu to be suspended immediately and urged the government to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry to conduct a thorough and transparent review of public university admission systems. In his statement, Noor Azuan said irrespective of the pathway taken, students seeking admission into UM's MBBS programme must pass a standardised selection test and an interview before they are offered a spot. He had explained that Satu provides a chance for students seeking placement in competitive courses like medicine, pharmacy and dentistry where thousands of top students are turned away due to limited places. Noor Azuan said the higher fees apply only to Satu students and do not affect government subsidies for UPUOnline students. 'The fee adjustment is based on identified costs and it reflects the actual expenditure to deliver the programme and sustain the university's core functions,' said Noor Azuan. The fee increase for Universiti Malaya's MBBS programme – from RM299,200 in 2024/2025 to RM500,000 in 2025/2026 – has sparked public outcry, with critics warning it will make medical education unattainable for most STPM and matriculation graduates unless they are well-off. The criteria for enrolment in degree programmes differs between the UPUOnline and Satu channels. For UPUOnline, applicants need a minimum CGPA of 3.00-3.80, with a higher threshold of 3.80 for competitive courses like MBBS. Accepted qualifications include STPM, matriculation, Asasi UM, or equivalents such as A-Levels with AAA grades or IB with 36 points. Additionally, candidates must meet specific subject requirements, such as an A- in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics/Mathematics for MBBS. In contrast, Satu maintains similar academic standards but offers flexibility for non-current year qualifications. For Malaysians applying to MBBS through Satu, a CGPA of 3.80 is required.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
UM: No 'backdoor' entry in dual admission system
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya (UM) has dismissed allegations of inequality in its dual admissions process, saying that the data cited by MCA to question the meritocracy of the system was "misleading." UM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the figures presented by the MCA president concerning the increase in undergraduate enrolments via the UM Open Channel (Saluran Terbuka Universiti Awam, or Satu) from 2018 to 2022 failed to take into account the full context of the university's admissions framework. His response came in the wake of remarks made by Ayer Hitam member of Parliament Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong in a video posted on June 24. In the video, Wee called for the suspension of UM's Satu intake for the 2025/2026 session until the higher education ministry reviews its admissions mechanism, following claims of structural inequality. This was as Wee had launched a position paper by MCA on the matter, in which the party said the apparent selectiveness in UM's student admissions raised questions about meritocracy in the process. "In fact, the number of students admitted through the main channel (UPU) remains consistent every year and continues to meet intake projections set by the Higher Education Ministry," he said. "There has been no reduction in UPU quota or displacement of UPU candidates as a result of the alternative Satu route," he said. Noor Azuan said that UM uses two separate channels to admit students into its undergraduate programmes: UPU, which is managed by the Higher Education Ministry; and Satu, which offers an alternative route for qualified applicants with the ability to self-fund their studies. He said all admissions, whether via UPU or Satu, are merit-based, and that no shortcuts or backdoor entries are allowed. "Satu is not a backdoor, but an additional door. It expands opportunities and strengthens the system without closing the path for deserving students." He said the dual-channel approach was a strategic response to growing demand for limited placements in critical programmes such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. "UPU is highly competitive, and many excellent students are turned away due to limited capacity. Satu creates additional seats without affecting UPU quotas." He added that the initiative also aimed to curb the outflow of local talent overseas, noting that many Malaysian students had been forced to pursue costly medical studies abroad. "With Satu, they can now study in Malaysia, closer to their families and cultural roots, reducing brain drain and enhancing the supply of local talent." Noor Azuan also pointed out that the use of alternative admission pathways was in line with global practices, citing examples from the United Kingdom, Australia, Indonesia and the United States. On the recent fee hikes for students under the Satu channel, he said the adjustments were necessary to reflect the actual cost of providing high-quality medical education, particularly clinical training and the maintenance of teaching hospital facilities. "The revised fees apply only to Satu students and do not affect the government's subsidy for UPU students, who continue to enjoy up to 95 per cent tuition support." He acknowledged the financial concerns raised by some quarters but assured that no deserving student would be denied access to education due to financial hardship. "Scholarships, financial aid, and welfare assistance will continue to be made available and expanded." Noor Azuan said the university welcomed suggestions to expand UPU quotas for medical and other critical programmes, but said that such decisions must be approved by professional bodies such as the Malaysian Medical Council, Pharmacy Board and Dental Council. "UM remains open to engagement with these bodies to ensure national needs are met. The university is not just a centre of learning, but a place of hope for the future." He reaffirmed UM's commitment to transparency, meritocracy and social equity, adding that the university had no intention of engaging in polemics but felt compelled to correct public misconceptions.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sultan Nazrin presents excellence awards at Universiti Malaya
PETALING JAYA: Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah in his role as chancellor of Universiti Malaya (UM), presented awards to university staff and corporate partners at the 2024 UM Excellence Awards (ACUM) today. His Royal Highness arrived at the ceremony at 2.30 pm and was received by UM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman. Among the top honours presented were the UM Academic Icon Award, the High-Impact Contributor Award (Organisation) and the Special High-Impact Contributor Award (Individual). Additional categories included the Strategic Thinker Partner Award, Research Corporate Partner Award and the UM Medical Centre (PPUM) Corporate Partner Award. Earlier in his remarks, Noor Azuan said the annual awards serve to recognise individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment, integrity and contribution, helping to strengthen the university's standing. 'This year's 14th edition is especially significant as, for the first time, PPUM is among the recipients, reinforcing collaboration across departments,' he said. A total of 45 categories were awarded to 59 recipients, including individuals, research centres and corporate bodies. The university's highest accolade went to Professor Dr Stefanie Shamila Pillai of the English Language Department, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, for her work documenting and archiving Melaka Portuguese, an endangered language in Malaysia. Her project is part of the Endangered Languages Archive under the Endangered Languages Documentation Programme. Noor Azuan also highlighted UM's research achievements, noting the university secured RM163.37 million in grants last year, a 42 per cent increase from 2023, reflecting growing confidence in its research capabilities. In 2024, UM researchers produced 4,325 publications, up 15 per cent from 3,749 the year before.
The Star
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
UM: Cost not the only reason to pick public varsities
Come one, come all: Fairgoers speaking to a UM representative during the Star Education Fair at IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre in Putrajaya. (Inset) Prof Noor Azuan. — Low Boon Tat and CHAN TAK KONG/The Star PUTRAJAYA: Amid Malaysia's wide array of tertiary options, public universities stand out for their adaptability, accessibility, affordability and industry-relevant education, says Universiti Malaya (UM) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman. 'Currently, we have about 1.1 to 1.2 million local students in Malaysia, with 600,000 to 650,000 attending 20 public universities. 'Another 350,000 students are studying at some 309 private universities,' he said at the Star Education Fair 2025 at the IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre here yesterday. He stressed that this trend is not due to a lack of quality in private institutions, which he praised for their excellence, but rather because public universities offer a balanced combination of affordability, relevance and modern infrastructure. He explained that public universities, including UM, are transforming to meet the expectations of a new generation of students. 'The new generation aren't like my generation. They need things fast, beautiful and simplified,' he said, adding that this has pushed public universities to modernise campuses with strong Wi-Fi access and futuristic classrooms. Beyond facilities, Prof Noor Azuan highlighted UM's three-pronged philosophy: community engagement, industry integration and international exposure. He said these integrated strengths make public universities a powerful choice – beyond just affordability. 'Three or four weeks out of the 14-week semester must be taught by an industry professional. 'These weeks are all about sharing their knowledge, experience, expertise and incorporating it into the course content,' he said, adding that students need real-world exposure to understand what is happening beyond the classroom. He also said UM and other public universities ensure their academic programmes – whether in engineering, social sciences or medicine – meet international accreditation standards. 'This means that when our students finish their studies, they can easily work not only in Malaysia but all over the world without question,' he said, adding that a university's core purpose is to create and share knowledge – knowledge that should benefit not only the country but also have global relevance and impact.
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
As Anwar backs varsity freedom, UM pushes ahead with plans to govern without Putrajaya's aid
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — Universiti Malaya (UM) is making significant strides toward achieving full autonomy, aiming to govern independently while reducing its reliance on the government. UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said that the pioneering, bold, and radical approach would enable UM to gain full independence in governance, student admissions, finance, and academics, without compromising its corporate social responsibility. 'As an established and mature university, UM should be progressing towards autonomy without being entirely dependent on government assistance. 'Therefore, UM must think creatively about leveraging its existing advantages to achieve autonomy,' he told Bernama after attending a UM media strategic session with senior management from several local media organisations here today. The session was attended by Broadcasting director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) News Services executive editor Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa, and Harian Metro Group editor Hussain Jahit. Noor Azuan said that there were currently around 1.1 to 1.2 million students nationwide, with 600,000 studying in 20 public universities, while the rest were enrolled in over 300 private institutions. UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Noor Azuan Abu Osman speaks to reporters in Kuala Lumpur on May 13, 2025. — Bernama pic 'In this regard, universities should be creative in obtaining funds without neglecting the quality aspect, and for that, media promotion and advertising are crucial for attracting international students to Malaysia,' he said. He also expressed his appreciation to media practitioners for their continued support and coverage, particularly in conveying the university's messages, initiatives, efforts, and achievements to the public. 'We really appreciate the role of the media, which not only supports UM but also contributes to the development of all universities in Malaysia,' he said. The media had previously reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had expressed his view that public universities should be given full authority to decide on their priorities. The matter was mentioned during the opening ceremony of the Ministry of Higher Education's (MOHE) Strategic and Global Thinkers Discourse 2024, where the Prime Minister called on the MOHE to provide more space for universities to implement programmes aimed at improving the quality of education. — Bernama
