KUALA LUMPUR, 29 August 2016 – Any changes to the economic, political and social environment in global and national levels can provide a very effective impact on higher education institutions in a country.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) also is not immune from this effects. As an institution that is based on ‘Brain Power of the Nation’ and ‘Innovation Powerhouse’, the bold steps must be taken in the field of education, research and services that contribute to the welfare of mankind.
UTM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Ir. Dr. Wahid Omar in his speech said that despite having an annual grant cut since early 2016, the university did not move from its agenda in developing this country.
“Even in a state of deprivation, UTM was given a target to become a global university and a higher education institution in the top fifty in the field of engineering and technology,” he said.
Prof. Wahid said this in his speech during a Professional Lecture series titled Higher Education: Preparing for Future Survival of the Country presented by Datuk Dr. Hamzah Kassim.
“The first step in the challenge especially in 2017 has already begun. Apart from organizing a monthly gathering of staff  from the management down to the ground to every faculty to obtain the views of the staff as a whole, “he said.
Apart from UTM, the views and comments of outsiders such as the stakeholders are also very valuable and should not be ignored.
“All the input and analysis of the business environment was the first step in formulating a strategy UTM in 2017. Several strategic management sessions were neatly arranged to meet the challenges of the future,” he said.
Ybhg. Datuk Dr. Hamzah Kassim has extensive experience in public and private sectors, providing valuable input for UTM to move forward.
His expertise in transforming institutions and massive scale across business sectors such as banking, telecommunications, public institutions, educational institutions and foreign governments should be heeded.
Also attending the lecture session was UTMKL Director of Campus, Prof. Dr. Durisshah Idrus.