KUALA LUMPUR: Ten Malaysian university departments have ranked among the top 50 in the world for their discipline in the 8th edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject, released today by global higher education analysts, QS Quacquarelli Symonds.
Out of the 10, seven departments are from University of Malaya (UM).
The rankings also indicate that Taylor’s University has Malaysia’s highest ranked department, rising eight places to 21st for Hospitality and Leisure Management. It is slightly ahead of UM, which places 24th globally in Library and Information Studies, a new subject ranking added to the portfolio this year.
Last year, Taylor’s University entered the ranking for the same subject, making its way straight to 29th place.
Taylor’s University Faculty of Hospitality, Food and Leisure Management executive dean Dr Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan said: “Last year, we made history by becoming the first Malaysian private university to enter the top 50 of the QS World University Ranking by Subject when we made it to top 30 in the world.
"This year, we did even better which signals that we are on the right track.
“This outstanding global achievement is also partly contributed by our close partnership with University of Toulouse Jean Jaures, the second oldest and largest public university in France that has spanned over 32 years and the work we do together under the flagship of Taylor’s-Toulouse University Centre (TTUC).
UM has also recorded another six of its academic disciplines ranked within the Top 50 this year.
These include Electrical & Electronic Engineering (30th), Development Studies (30th), Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering (41st), Chemical Engineering (42nd), Civil & Structural Engineering (46th), and Mineral & Mining (47th).
Its vice-chancellor Datuk Abdul Rahim Hashim said: “The rankings result reflects the international recognition of the quality of UM’s faculty and graduates.”
He also attributed UM’s success to its strategic plan which is now in its third phase covering the years 2016-2020. The plan places great emphasis on transforming the research landscape of the university with a special focus on its research culture.
Two other universities: International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) rises 15 places to 31st for Theology, Divinity, and Religious Studies while Universiti Sains Malaysia is home to one top-50 department (Mineral and Mining Engineering, 43rd),
In total, 162 departments at 17 Malaysian universities are ranked. While eight departments have improved their rank, 52 dropped down the rankings.