Faculty of Science Subjects Ranking Leap: VC’s Visit Inspires Progress

Norhaiza Ahmad

Contributors: Norhaiza Ahmad, Shafinaz Shahir, and Mohd Firdaus Abdul Wahab

Sunday, April 21, 2024 – The Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Yang Berbahagia Professor Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, recently visited the Faculty of Science as part of his official tour series known as Siri Jelajah Rasmi Naib Canselor. During his visit, he was accompanied by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, Office of Strategy and Corporate Affairs (OSCA) Director, Associate Professor Dr. Che Rozid Mamat, and other officers from the Chancellery.

Faculty of Science staff with Vice Chancellor Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail and team during Siri Jelajah Rasmi Naib Canselor.

The Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor had a one-hour meeting with faculty members where they exchanged insights and perspectives. The Faculty of Science Dean, Associate Professor Dr. Shafinaz Shahir, gave them a warm welcome and shared the recent achievements of the faculty globally and locally. The faculty has seen a significant improvement of 50 places in the latest QS World University subject rankings across its four departments: the Department of Biosciences, the Department of Chemistry, the Department of Mathematical Sciences, and the Department of Physics. The subject rankings are Mathematics, Environmental Sciences & Materials Sciences (Top 200), Chemistry (Top 250), Physics & Astronomy (Top 300), and Biological Sciences (Top 500). In Malaysia, the Faculty of Science has made substantial progress, with Mathematics and Physics & Astronomy securing the 2nd position, Environmental Sciences & Materials Sciences ranking 2nd, Chemistry ranking 3rd, and Biological Sciences holding the 5th spot.

During his address, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the essential role of the Faculty of Science as the heart of the institution, providing the fundamental studies necessary for progress. While commending recent rankings, he expressed aspirations of securing the top position, cautioning against complacency, avoiding the business-as-usual attitude, and advocating for proactive measures. The Vice-Chancellor also addressed concerns about the student-to-lecturer ratio and stressed the need for faculty review. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of identifying distinct niche areas for the Faculty of Science, ensuring they do not overlap with those of other faculties. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor had also highlighted this point in his earlier speech.

After the session, the Vice-Chancellor and his team conducted a walkabout around the faculty premises. They visited the faculty’s key areas, including the Hyflex teaching and learning facility (UTM HELIxS) and laboratory facilities. During this visit, the Vice-Chancellor also interacted with students at the faculty.

FS pix nc and stds — Vice Chancellor Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail interacting with second-year Mathematics students attending an Advanced Calculus class. (Photo courtesy of OSCA UTM)

FS pix — Faculty of Science administrators with Vice Chancellor Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail and team.

The recent visit by Vice-Chancellor YBhg. Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail to the Faculty of Science highlights the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and strategic development. This high-level engagement serves to motivate the faculty towards continuous improvement by recognizing their achievements and addressing any concerns. The Faculty of Science faces numerous possibilities and challenges in the future. However, by embracing change and adopting a proactive approach, they can establish themselves as leaders in scientific research and education, and contribute to creating a more sustainable and prosperous future.