UNIVERSITI Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) will continue to focus on its role in nation-building as well as boost efforts to attain a higher level of excellence in education as it marks its 50th anniversary this week.
UKM, which first opened its doors on May 18, 1970, has provided Malaysians from all walks of life the opportunity to access tertiary education and subsequently, equip them with skills and values that have enabled them to contribute to the progress and prosperity of the country.
To date, the research university has produced 204,857 graduates who are serving the nation in the public, private and business sectors.
Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Hamdi Abdul Shukor, the university's 11th vice-chancellor, said the institution is now poised to achieve greater heights at national and international levels, guided by its three-year strategic plan that kicked off last year.
The plan that spans from 2019-2021 has five strategic thrusts in the areas of research, academic, internationalisation, talent development and funding sustainability.
"Being ranked 160th in the QS World University Rankings and 41st in the Asian edition has enabled UKM to be listed among the top one per cent universities worldwide. This recognition has earned UKM a greater visibility at the international level and placed Malaysia as the preferred country to further education.
"With that, it has enhanced industry confidence in the university to collaborate in research and scholarship activities that would improve knowledge development, expertise, research and innovation."
UKM chancellor Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, at the university's 47th convocation last year, said the success achieved by UKM was driven by the high commitment and support of various parties which helped determine the university's direction is correct and relevant in offering the best higher education in the country.
"It is the hope of all Malaysians that UKM continues to excel in leading higher education based on the national mould."
Known as Malaysia's first university to use Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction, UKM — as stated by its first chancellor, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein at the first UKM Convocation Council on June 23, 1973 — is the seeding ground to produce intellectuals with a vision to mobilise and channel the people's motivation for a brighter future, while ensuring a democratic life and rights.
UKM, he said, needs to leverage on their energies and minds to create a dynamic and progressive Malaysian society that is willing to adapt to the changing times.