NINE PATHWAYS IDENTIFIED TO ENSURE UUM'S CONTINUED EXCELLENCE

UUM ONLINE:  Focusing on the theme 'Four Decades of Transformational Drivers: Management of Education, Technology and Community', nine pathways have been identified to ensure UUM's continued excellence as a leading management university.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, stated that the primary objective is to attain global excellence. As a university that is focused on management, UUM is dedicated to securing the number one position in the Top Business School in Malaysia.

“UUM aims to achieve a ranking of 20th in Asia and within the top 200 in the QS World MBA Ranking. Additionally, UUM is committed to achieving the triple crown in accreditation. UUM has obtained the AACSB and AMBA accreditations and is currently striving towards obtaining E-QUIS accreditation," he said.

He further reiterated that in order to enhance UUM's global presence, the second pathway is to bolster international strategic partnerships and aim for a total of 3,000 new international student enrolments this year.

"In order to ensure that UUM remains relevant for the next 10 years, it is crucial that we align with the advancements in technology and adapt our teaching and learning system. This will enable us to produce future-proof talent.

"There will be 17 ODL (Open and Distance Learning) programmes that will be offered in 2024, along with micro-credential courses and MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) offerings," he said at the 2024 Vice-Chancellor's Address and Staff Monthly Assembly held at the SOIS Auditorium on Tuesday morning.

He also emphasised the importance of enhancing financial management at UUM by generating up to 25 percent, or approximately RM90 million, through internal resources. The government's grant contribution is approximately 75 percent, or about RM300 million. UUM’s goal is to generate as much as RM97 million.

According to him, in an effort to enhance human resource management, starting this year, four career tracks for academic staff will be introduced namely Regular Track, Accomplished Researcher Track, Inspiring Lecturer Track and Institutional Leadership Track. These career tracks will be carried out on a trial basis. Additionally, the Competency-based Talent Management (CBTM) framework is developed for the assessment of administrative staff.

"The goal is to enhance the skills and empower students to become future leaders. In 2023, students achieved numerous remarkable accomplishments, such as securing victories in four categories of national-level student figures, which were a testament to the dedicated efforts of the student affairs and alumni department.

"UUM is determined to foster research, innovation, publication and commercialisation. Research forms the crucial basis for engaging in activities such as publication, teaching, and networking with industry, the government, certain communities, and society at large. UUM should consider the new ecosystem by providing grants for high-impact initiatives," he said.

In enhancing UUM's digital ecosystem and infrastructure, he shared developments on improving the quality of infrastructure, technology, and management to achieve the goal of becoming a smart university by 2026.

UUM is committed to enhancing access to lifelong learning programmes in order to foster a society that is knowledgeable. To achieve this, UUM is dedicated to equipping each school with a comprehensive lifelong learning programme.

"We are committed to supporting and enhancing the community, as outlined in the third objective of our establishment. Therefore, the project or programme, One School, One District, will continue to be the best knowledge transfer channel between the university and the community," he added.

In addition, he mentioned that, in conjunction with UUM's 40th anniversary celebration and Visit UUM Year 2024, more than 40 noteworthy programmes have been planned. One of these programmes includes the establishment of the UUM 40th Anniversary Fund, which aims to provide assistance to students and staff in need of financial assistance.

The Loyal Service Medal Award Ceremony (PPS) is scheduled to take place to honour UUM staff members who have dedicated over 25 years of service. His Royal Highness Tuanku Sultan of Kedah will officiate this prestigious event. In addition, the university is also organising the Mega Homecoming Programme, which promises to be an exciting reunion for alumni, featuring a range of interesting activities.