Latest news with #NoorAzuanAbuOsman
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Science
- New Straits Times
UM V-C honoured by University of Bradford
KUALA LUMPUR:Universiti Malaya Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering by the University of Bradford, marking a nostalgic return to the institution where he first began his academic journey more than three decades ago. The University of Bradford conferred the prestigious title in recognition of Professor Azuan's outstanding contributions to the fields of biomechanical engineering and higher education leadership. A globally respected figure in biomechanical innovation, Professor Azuan is also a prominent voice in Malaysia's academic landscape. Receiving the honorary degree at a special ceremony, Professor Azuan expressed his deep gratitude and personal connection to the university, where he earned a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering. "It is an immense honour and pride for me to be recognised at a place where I first gained my valuable life values and lessons, and where I have been so warmly welcomed and supported throughout my entire study life. This is simply beyond words." Reflecting on his life's work, Professor Azuan highlighted the transformative power of innovation and compassion in engineering. "From the beginning, I have been inspired by the potential of innovation to give people a new beginning. "It brings me great joy to see that our work is no longer just research on paper, but practical solutions that make a real difference, especially for those most vulnerable. This is the essence of life, to do good and to contribute to a better tomorrow for all of mankind." He recalled a deeply moving moment from his career. "One of the most unforgettable moments in my journey was witnessing the joy of Palestinian children just 7 or 8 years old fitted with prosthetic limbs we helped create. "Their eyes sparkled with the light of newfound hope. These devices were sponsored by Tesco, but the real sponsors were compassion and human solidarity. Seeing their smiles, that is when I knew this is why we do what we do. There is no greater reward. "I accept this honorary doctorate with deep appreciation, but more importantly, as a reminder that our work must always be driven by compassion, purpose and the desire to uplift others. "Let us all, in our own ways, be agents of change, for people, for animals, for the world." Professor Azuan also spoke about the entrepreneurial journey that stemmed from his academic work. "Through the support of Universiti Malaya, which has been my academic home and life platform, I had the honour of founding BioApps Private Limited — a spin-off company of Universiti Malaya that, over the past seven years, has generated more than RM35 million in value. "This is not just a company — it is a vision brought to life. A vision powered by the dedication of my 43 PhD graduates, 45 master's students by research and a multitalented global team, who turned the dream into reality. I share this award with every single one of them." Since he was appointed vice- chancellor in November 2023, Professor Azuan has spearheaded the university's rise in global rankings, with UM now positioned among the world's Top 58 in the QS World University Rankings. He has championed research commercialisation, innovation and robust partnerships between academia and industry. His previous leadership roles include serving as Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's deputy vice-chancellor and Universiti Tenaga Nasional's vice-chancellor. In 2022, he was honoured with Malaysia's National Academic Award for Product Innovation and Commercialisation by the prime minister. His work has helped place Malaysia as the second leading nation globally in prosthetics and orthotics research, just behind the United States. Among his many accolades, Professor Azuan has received the Forchheimer Prize in Belgium — the highest honour in biomechanical engineering — and the Blesma Award from the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics for his advances in prosthetic socket design. His conferment by the University of Bradford not only celebrates a significant personal and professional milestone but also reinforces the academic and research ties between Malaysia and the United Kingdom, while spotlighting Universiti Malaya's growing global influence.
The Star
29-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Concerns over admission process remains unanswered, Dr Wee tells UM
KUALA LUMPUR: The explanation given by Universiti Malaya (UM) Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman about the Satu (Open Channel) route for MBBS admissions is inadequate, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. 'The Vice-Chancellor's response completely sidesteps the key issue — how financial ability seems to override merit in the MBBS admissions under Satu. 'Instead of answering questions, he has raised even more troubling ones,' said the MCA president on Facebook on Sunday (June 29). Dr Wee's criticism follows the VC's June 27 statement 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 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. According to Dr Wee, the university failed to provide any data or evidence to refute MCA's claims, particularly on whether academically qualified students are being turned away under the UPU (centralised) route and then offered MBBS seats through Satu — if they can afford the RM300,000 fee. 'How many academically qualified STPM students were denied under UPU but later admitted via Satu simply because they could pay? He said at end it only benefits those with deep pockets. "This is the crux of the matter and it remains unanswered,' he said. He then called on UM to publicly disclose the number of STPM students accepted into the MBBS programme via UPU and Satu since 2018 and whether the academic entry requirements are truly the same for both routes. Dr Wee also said that UM must also disclose the number of students rejected under UPU who later received Satu offers. Citing one specific case, Dr Wee revealed that a top student with excellent academic results was denied admission under UPU despite appeals but 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,' said Dr Wee. He further argued that comparing Satu to international models like UCAS in the UK or Australia's university system was misleading. '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 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 (RCI) to conduct a thorough and transparent review of public university admission systems. 'In short, the Vice-Chancellor failed to counter MCA's core argument and only proved why this issue demands public scrutiny,' he said.
The Star
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
UM climbs to 58th place
PETALING JAYA: Universiti Malaya (UM) has climbed two spots to 58th place in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026. This latest achievement cements its position as Malaysia's top university, and the only Malaysian institution in the global top 100. CLICK TO ENLARGE The country's oldest university, which ranks 16th in Asia, also leads nationally in five of the nine QS indicators, notably placing 58th for Academic Reputation and 40th for Employer Reputation. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia came in second, rising 12 spots from 138th to 126th. In third place, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia tied at 134th globally after climbing 14 and 12 spots, respectively. Rounding out Malaysia's institutions in the global top 200 is Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, which jumped 28 spots to place 153rd. In the top 300, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) rose 18 places to secure 251st, making it the highest-ranking private institution in Malaysia, followed by Taylor's University at 253rd and UCSI University at 269th. Meanwhile, Sunway University and Universiti Utara Malaysia climbed into the top 500, placing 410th and 491st, respectively. In total, 10 Malaysian universities are now ranked in the top 500 – up from eight last year. UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the university is expanding its global presence by attracting top talent worldwide to drive positive change. 'With programmes such as postdoctoral offerings, grants and global partnerships with key countries and institutions, the university continues its unwavering drive to be among the world's best,' he said. UTP president Mohamed Firouz Asnan said this latest global recognition strengthens the university's resolve to become not only Malaysia's leading university, but also a world-class, hyper-focused, cutting-edge engineering institution anchored in societal impact, sustainability and industry-driven innovation. Meanwhile, Taylor's University vice-chancellor and president Prof Barry Winn said the university is expanding its student community, investing in staff, and strengthening innovation and partnerships to help solve global issues and contribute to nation-building. UCSI University vice-chancellor Emerita Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir said the university's milestone reflects its commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, global engagement and consequential graduate outcomes. Sunway University president and vice-chancellor Prof Sibrandes Poppema said the university is committed to sustaining its momentum and continuing to contribute meaningfully to Malaysia and the global community. SEGi University achieved Malaysia's highest rank in any individual indicator, placing 13th globally in International Students Ratio – the third-highest ranking in Asia. A total of 32 Malaysian higher education institutions were ranked this year, of which 19 rose, five remained stable in their ranks, five featured for the first time, and three dropped. Malaysia also achieved the world's highest rate of improvement with 70% of its 32 institutions rising in the QS World University Rankings 2026. In a statement, QS said Malaysia outperformed the global average in five indicators, most notably in International Student Ratio. 'Malaysia also improved overall in five indicators, most prominently in Academic Reputation and International Research Network. It dropped overall in four indicators, with the sharpest drop seen in Employment Outcomes,' it said. The full 22nd edition of the rankings, released yesterday, can be found at
New Straits Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
UM reaches record high in global university rankings
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya secured 58th place in the QS World University Rankings 2026, its highest-ever position. This surpasses last year's 60th spot and marks an improvement in UM's pursuit of academic excellence. With an overall score of 80.1, UM ranks among the world's leading institutions, reflecting its growing international stature and strong performance in key indicators. UM scored highest in employer reputation (96.7), followed by international research network (92.9), academic reputation (92.3), student diversity (87.3), international students (86.8) and sustainability (84.7). These results highlight UM's strengths in reputation among employers and academics, as well as its success in attracting international students and fostering global research partnerships. UM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the university's improved standing reflects its commitment to delivering meaningful impact locally and globally. "This achievement is not just about academia, research and intellectual growth. It also shows our dedication to driving change for the nation, the world, and humanity." He said the 2026 edition of the QS Rankings assessed more than 8,400 institutions worldwide, with only 1,501 being officially ranked. "UM has shown consistent improvement in key areas, including academic and employer reputation, international research collaborations, graduate employability, and sustainability." Noor Azuan added that UM leads Malaysia in five of the nine QS indicators. "This success is a source of national pride and would not have been possible without the dedication, sacrifice, and support of our university community, from academics and researchers to administrative and support staff, our students." He said strategic initiatives implemented over the past year — driven by forward-looking reforms — were beginning to bear fruit and would continue to shape the university's future. UM, he said, remains committed to this transformation journey and to raising the institution to greater heights. He also attributed the success to UM's restructured governance framework, which has been refined to support growth and excellence. "This achievement aligns with the prime minister's vision for a governance structure rooted in competitiveness, integrity, effectiveness, and justice. "A university's progress begins with strong, effective governance. The path to excellence lies in strategic synergy — empowering human capital, nurturing talent, and leveraging technological advancement." He said UM is also expanding its international reach while intensifying efforts to identify and attract global talent. "Our aim is to bring in the best minds and harness the world's top expertise to help us drive global change. "From offering postdoctoral programmes and research grants to strengthening strategic collaborations with leading institutions worldwide, we continue to move forward confidently among the world's best." At the same time, UM remains steadfast in its role as a leading national institution, ready to tackle challenges through world-class research and the development of holistic, future-ready graduates. Noor Azuan expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to this milestone, particularly Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir for his support, as well as the ministry and the government. "UM extends its deepest appreciation to our chancellor, Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, for his wisdom, guidance, and support over the years," he said. Meanwhile, in the report released yesterday, QS senior vice-president Ben Sowter said Malaysia is emerging as a leading regional hub for higher education, offering internationally recognised qualifications, strong transnational partnerships, and a vibrant, international academic environment. "As the country advances towards a high-income economy, the role of its universities becomes increasingly critical. "To meet the demands of an AI-driven, rapidly evolving global ecosystem, Malaysia's higher education institutions must equip graduates with technical skills and human competencies required to excel in the workforce and drive innovation." He said that while Malaysia has made significant strides, there remains untapped potential in areas such as employability, sustainability strategy, and research, which are central pillars in the QS' rankings and sustained higher education excellence. Malaysia has seen one of the world's most remarkable performances in this year's edition, with 70 per cent of its universities climbing the table. This represents the highest proportion among countries with 10 or more ranked universities. UM places 16th in Asia. It is the national leader in five of QS' indicators, most prominently in academic reputation (58th) and employer reputation (40th).
Barnama
18-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
UM Tops World In Global Partnerships, Soars Into Top 25 In Sustainability Rankings
KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaya (UM) has soared into the top 25 of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, securing the 25th position globally for its performance in supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university's standout achievement was clinching the No. 1 global ranking for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, with a score of 99.8 per cent, reflecting its strong international collaborations and strategic commitment to sustainable development. UM's active involvement in global networks such as the ASEAN University Network, Asian Universities Alliance and United Nations Academic Impact has further strengthened its influence across sectors and borders. UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the recognition reaffirms the university's commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future. "The success that we have achieved now is the derivation from our tireless collective efforts from the entire campus community in transforming the strategic sustainable and green plans into a practical reality, benefiting not only the immediate society, but where solutions churned out will benefit the future generations and the world as a whole,' he said in a statement. He said UM would continue to advance its sustainability goals through intellectual and research excellence, while embedding sustainability as a cultural value. "We will continue to progress towards achieving the new milestones of creating a brighter, resilient and sustainable future for future generations, with the advent of both intellectual and research advancement and the strategic embrace of a sustainable culture and concept," he added. UM also recorded strong performances in several other SDGs. It ranked 4th globally for SDG 1: No Poverty, in recognition of efforts such as financial aid, affordable housing, and festive season transport assistance for students. The university's community outreach programmes also support underprivileged groups in accessing basic needs, education and health services. For SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, UM was placed 7th globally, driven by its green campus initiatives and sustainability policies aligned with Malaysia's Higher Education Blueprint.
