Seven Malaysian varsities make it to QS world ranking

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) was the highest ranked institution at the 15th spot.

The 44-year-old varsity was at No. 17 last year.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia is in 16th place, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia at 21st and Universiti Sains Malaysia at 23rd.

“All our research universities are not only in the top 50 but in the top 23 under the QS World University Rankings Top 50 Under 50,” he told reporters after launching the Sports Leadership Transformation Programme at UPM yesterday.

The other universities to make the list – released on June 8 – are Universiti Teknologi Petronas (91100), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) (101-150) and International Islamic University Malaysia (101150).

Except for Universiti Malaya, all the other universities in Malaysia are below the age of 50.

Idris congratulated UUM for debuting in the rankings this year.

“The 33-year-old university’s position in the 101-150 band shows that its focus to be a niche university, which focuses on management and social sciences, does not prevent it from competing and shining among other institutions,” he said.

He said UUM became an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) accredited institution last year, adding that this has contributed to its ranking position.

AACSB is the hallmark of excellence in business education, and has been earned by less than 5% of the world’s business programmes.

UUM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Mustafa Ishak thanked the UUM family “who is committed to the success of the university’s agenda”.

“This achievement shows that UUM’s strategic plan started in 2010 is bearing results,” he said.

He also hoped that staff and students would continue to carry out the university’s agenda so that it could compete with other renowned international universities.

UPM vice-chancellor Prof Datin Paduka Aini Ideris said the university had always focused on the fundamentals of teaching, research and services.

“We work hard to ensure quality education, quality research that benefits the community and produces all-rounder graduates with holistic and entrepreneurial skills,” she said.

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore tops the list this year followed by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology.

Source : The Star