PETALING JAYA: Malaysian universities are expected to be in the Times Higher Education (THE)’s top 20 ranking by 2050, the Higher Education Ministry said yesterday.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, said Malaysia’s higher education is showing positive improvement, as many universities have been listed in THE ranking.
"As a result of the ministry's efforts to redesign education, we have seen consistent achievements in the country's higher education.
"Now, there are 11 subjects listed in the ranking, compared to three subjects previously," he told reporters at a press conference after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Segi University and the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), at Segi University here yesterday.
Idris also said Malaysia's ability to be listed in the ranking shows that our universities are “soaring upwards.”
"Universiti Malaya is now at the 133 rank, compared to four years ago, when it was at 166.
"Universiti Putra Malaysia has been increasing its position in the ranking as well. If we see the projection, there will be a Malaysian university ranked among the world’s top 20 (by 2050)," he added.
The MoU signing ceremony was a collaboration between Segi University and eight of its parent companies, from various industries, to launch Learning Rebranded – an initiative to enhance graduates’ employability.
The initiative is aimed at boosting students’ employability through financial support, innovative academic programmes, training and talent management.
Among the key terms agreed to in the MoU are reward scholarships amounting to RM1.2 million to outstanding and underprivileged students in the B40 income group by Yayasan Sime Darby, Agrobank and the Malaysia Building Society Bhd.
There will also be a collaboration between MIDA, DRB Hicom University of Automotive, Kolej Yayasan Pahang and Tanri Abeng University, to exchange expertise in the areas of job opportunities, talent exchange, and research & development of educational learning programmes.
Among those present at the event were Segi International chairman, Tan Sri Megat Najimuddin Megat Khas and Segi University and Colleges president, Datuk Mohamed Azahari Kamil.