“Dr. Halim has been serving in various academic roles since 2006. He started as a tutor, then advanced to lecturer, senior lecturer, and is currently an associate professor at a faculty that has undergone several name changes: from the Faculty of Education to the School of Education, and now it is known as the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST). He takes pride in being part of FEST and shares ten reasons why you should choose to study here, based on his insights.”
At the Faculty of Educational Science and Technology (FEST), we offer 11 undergraduate programs and over 10 postgraduate programs across a variety of fields, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Islamic Studies, Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), and Sports Science. Many of our undergraduate courses integrate components of educational technology to ensure that future educators are well-prepared for the demands of a technology-driven era.
For undergraduates interested in pursuing a master’s degree, FEST provides the opportunity to enrol in PRISMS courses during their final year. This allows students to save one semester of study time at the postgraduate level. At the master’s level, our programs are offered through various modes, including coursework, mixed-mode (which combines coursework and a dissertation), and full research.
We currently welcome international students from over 25 countries, including the People’s Republic of China, Nigeria, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and many others. Some programs are delivered through Open and Distance Learning (ODL), which is a flexible, fully online mode suitable for working professionals who study in the evenings. Among our most celebrated ODL offerings is the Master of Education (Educational Technology) program, which received the Anugerah Khas YB Menteri Pengajian Tinggi: Rekabentuk Kurikulum dan Penyampaian Inovatif (AKRI) 2022 award in the Innovative Study Program Curriculum category.
FEST is proud to have an esteemed group of academic staff, with over 95% holding doctoral degrees from prestigious institutions both locally and internationally, including the University of Cambridge, University College London, and Penn State University. Our academics are recognised for excellence in both teaching and research. For example, Associate Professor Dr. Adibah Abdul Latif received the National Academic Award (AAN) in the Teaching Award category for the Applied Arts and Applied Social Sciences Group. Professor Dr. Fatin Aliah Phang was recently appointed as a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), and Associate Professor Dr. Zaleha Abdullah was certified as a Recognised Supervisor by the United Kingdom (UK) Council for Graduate Education (CGE).
Our reputation in global education rankings reflects our academic strength. FEST is one of only three Malaysian institutions ranked in all three major international rankings of higher education. In the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject for 2025, we are placed between 151-200. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject for 2025, we rank between 176 and 200. In the 2024 Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, our position is between 301 and 400. Although we do not focus solely on these rankings, they are strong indicators of the quality and impact of our academic ecosystem, as perceived by both academia and industry.
Research is a significant strength at FEST. We have five research groups: Educational Growth and Human Development (EGHD), Creative and Innovative Technology in Education (CITE), Higher Education (HIGHER ED), Science and Mathematics Education (SME), and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). These groups actively conduct research, publish academic papers and books, engage in community service, and drive innovations in education. FEST consistently performs well in the Malaysian Research Assessment (MyRA) among social science-based faculties. You can explore our staff’s academic contributions by searching their names on the UTM Scholar portal: https://utmscholar.utm.my/.
FEST currently publishes one academic journal, the Innovative Teaching and Learning Journal (ITLJ). We also frequently organise workshops on academic writing and research skills, both online and in-person. One of our distinguished professors in Educational Technology, Prof. Ts. Dr. Zaidatun Tasir, who received the Top Research Scientists Malaysia (TRSM) 2020 award, developed the EduResearchub portal to assist students and researchers in crafting high-quality concept papers. The portal is accessible at https://sites.google.com/view/eduresearchub/. Additionally, students at all levels are encouraged to present their research progress at regular colloquia.
We host both annual and biennial academic conferences, such as the International Conference on Creative and Innovative Technology in Education (iCITE) and the Technical and Vocational Education & Training International Conference (TVETIC). These events provide valuable platforms for scholarly exchange.
FEST is strategically located at the heart of the UTM campus, within walking distance of key facilities, including the main library, the mosque, and the Sultan Iskandar Hall, which hosts convocation ceremonies and other significant events. This central location ensures convenience and accessibility for all students.
Our faculty is equipped with excellent infrastructure to support learning, research, and collaboration. For quiet study, we offer dedicated postgraduate rooms, while the student lounge provides space for group discussions and peer interaction. FEST also features professionally managed facilities for teaching, learning, research, and consultation, accessible to students, researchers, and industry partners alike.
Students gain valuable hands-on experience through our comprehensive range of workshops and laboratories. Workshop facilities include areas for metal fabrication, metal machining, wood preparation, and plumbing and brickwork. Our laboratory spaces encompass automotive labs, AutoCAD labs, pneumatic labs, animation labs, audio-video labs, computer labs, photography studios, and design studios.
FEST actively promotes international collaboration, particularly with institutions in Indonesia. Through international service-learning programs and teaching practicums, our students have the opportunity to gain cross-cultural experiences in various regions, including Semarang and Yogyakarta. Additionally, our scholars are frequently invited to serve as guest speakers at universities in Indonesia and other countries, expanding our global reach and impact.
By Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Halim Abdullah, FEST UTM