In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has consistently shone as a beacon of excellence in engineering and technology since its inception in 1972. A pivotal player in shaping academic and professional landscapes, UTM has become integral to the socio-economic development of the nation, aligning itself with the government’s ambitious goal of breaking into the world’s top 30 largest economies.

Recently concluding its 67th Convocation Ceremony, UTM proudly celebrated the academic achievements of 569 Doctor of Philosophy, 1,407 Master’s, 4,573 Bachelor’s, and 436 Diploma graduates. Notably, during the ceremony, 1,113 international graduates from 48 countries received degrees, with Indonesia, China, and Iraq emerging as the top three countries with the highest number of graduates.

Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah, Permaisuri Johor and Chancellor of UTM during the UTM 67th Convocation Ceremony.

UTM’s legacy is steeped in the success of its graduates, numbering an impressive 225,394 to date, with 11,301 hailing from 100 different countries.  This global representation underscores UTM’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment.

Research-Led Teaching and World-Class Curriculum

A cornerstone of UTM’s success lies in its dedication to research-led teaching. By anchoring its curriculum in cutting-edge research, the university ensures that its educational offerings remain world-class, enhancing the learning experience and establishing UTM as a hub for innovation and knowledge creation.

What sets UTM’s graduates apart are the skills and competencies instilled throughout their academic journey. The teaching and learning ecosystem at UTM provides unique opportunities, ranging from service learning and high-impact competitions to exposure to startups. This year, UTM has introduced the international industrial training programs that offer placements at renowned institutions worldwide, enhancing students’ global perspectives.

Moreover, the 5 Excellence Tracks Programme (ETP) is a testament to UTM’s commitment to developing talents, interests, and creativity across diverse fields. From sports and entrepreneurship to Nobel laureates and leadership, the ETP provides a holistic approach to education.

Top Notch Educators and Pioneering Researchers

UTM takes pride in its exceptional educators and researchers, garnering national and international recognition. Noteworthy achievements this year, include UTM’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail receiving the Mustafa Prize Laureate, and three academicians—Dr. Mariani Abdul Hamid, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adibah Abdul Latif, and Dr. Norliza Mohd Isa—emerging as winners of the prestigious Anugerah Akademik Negara (AAN). Additionally, Prof. Dr. Nor Haniza Sarmin and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zaleha Abdullah were acknowledged as ‘Recognised Research Supervisors’ by the UK Council for Graduate Education (UKCGE).

On the research front, Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Hamdan bin Ahmad, Assoc Prof. Dr. Juhana binti Jaafar, Assoc Prof. Dr. Lau Woei Jye, Assoc. Prof. Madya Ts. ChM. Dr. Nik Ahmad Nizam bin Nik Malek, and Assoc Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Zaki bin Shaikh Salim have been honoured as recipients of the prestigious Top Research Scientist Malaysia (TRSM) 2023 award, presented by the Akademi Sains Malaysia (ASM). UTM’s global impact is further solidified by a number of its researchers listed as ‘World’s Top 2% Scientists’ in their respective fields by Stanford University.
UTM’s Role in Nation Building

Beyond the numbers, UTM stands as a core contributor in the nation-building process, producing engineers and scientists vital to Malaysia’s talent pool. Its commitment to cultivating top-tier talent aligns seamlessly with Malaysia’s aspirations for sustained economic growth and development.

UTM’s strong partnerships with the private and public sectors have positioned it as the leading university in Malaysia for SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, according to THE Impact Rankings. This measurement reflects UTM’s role in translating its research and academic activities for the nation’s benefit.

As one of Malaysia’s distinguished research universities, UTM has earned global recognition, securing a position among the top 200 universities worldwide. In the QS University Rankings: Asia 2024, UTM proudly claims the 37th spot, firmly establishing itself as one of the premier institutions in Asia.

These achievements have garnered attention from prominent public offices, including the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOSTI), leading to collaborative endeavours such as the UTM-MOSTI Collaborative Master of Professional Science (MPS) programme with the Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics (FTIR).

UTM has also forged meaningful collaborations, such as the partnership with the Department of Public Works and the State Government of Johor.

Leading in Employability and Premium Income

At the forefront of employability, UTM’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, proudly asserts its leadership in producing highly skilled graduates with premium income.

UTM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail delivering his speech during the UTM 67th Convocation Ceremony.

Significantly, 90 UTM graduates (Bachelor’s Degree) from the year 2022,  have successfully obtained premium incomes exceeding RM 10,000. In response to evolving job market demands, UTM is committed to increasing the percentage of graduates earning a premium income of RM4,000 and above. This commitment involves strategic collaborations between the university, industry, and employers, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of the professional world.

Pioneering Artificial Intelligence Education

UTM’s forward-thinking initiatives extend to the future establishment and development of the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As the first of its kind in Malaysia, this faculty has been allocated RM 20 million, showcasing the government’s confidence in UTM’s ability to lead in AI education. This positions UTM at the forefront of technological advancements beginning in 2024.

It is evident that UTM isn’t just a university; it is a symbol of academic excellence, innovation, and global collaboration. As it continues to shape the future of engineering and technology in Malaysia and beyond, UTM stands tall as an institution that not only imparts knowledge but inspires a generation of thinkers, doers, and leaders. With a steadfast commitment to producing top-tier graduates, pioneering AI education, fostering a research-led teaching environment, and innovating solutions for tomorrow’s challenges, UTM becomes more than an educational institution; it emerges as a dynamic catalyst propelling us towards a brighter, more promising future.

UTM, Innovating Solutions | In the name of God for Mankind

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