UM reaches record high in global university rankings

New Straits Times

19 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya secured 58th place in the QS World University Rankings 2026, its highest-ever position.
This surpasses last year's 60th spot and marks an improvement in UM's pursuit of academic excellence.
With an overall score of 80.1, UM ranks among the world's leading institutions, reflecting its growing international stature and strong performance in key indicators.
UM scored highest in employer reputation (96.7), followed by international research network (92.9), academic reputation (92.3), student diversity (87.3), international students (86.8) and sustainability (84.7).
These results highlight UM's strengths in reputation among employers and academics, as well as its success in attracting international students and fostering global research partnerships.
UM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the university's improved standing reflects its commitment to delivering meaningful impact locally and globally.
"This achievement is not just about academia, research and intellectual growth. It also shows our dedication to driving change for the nation, the world, and humanity."
He said the 2026 edition of the QS Rankings assessed more than 8,400 institutions worldwide, with only 1,501 being officially ranked.
"UM has shown consistent improvement in key areas, including academic and employer reputation, international research collaborations, graduate employability, and sustainability."
Noor Azuan added that UM leads Malaysia in five of the nine QS indicators.
"This success is a source of national pride and would not have been possible without the dedication, sacrifice, and support of our university community, from academics and researchers to administrative and support staff, our students."
He said strategic initiatives implemented over the past year — driven by forward-looking reforms — were beginning to bear fruit and would continue to shape the university's future.
UM, he said, remains committed to this transformation journey and to raising the institution to greater heights.
He also attributed the success to UM's restructured governance framework, which has been refined to support growth and excellence.
"This achievement aligns with the prime minister's vision for a governance structure rooted in competitiveness, integrity, effectiveness, and justice.
"A university's progress begins with strong, effective governance. The path to excellence lies in strategic synergy — empowering human capital, nurturing talent, and leveraging technological advancement."
He said UM is also expanding its international reach while intensifying efforts to identify and attract global talent.
"Our aim is to bring in the best minds and harness the world's top expertise to help us drive global change.
"From offering postdoctoral programmes and research grants to strengthening strategic collaborations with leading institutions worldwide, we continue to move forward confidently among the world's best."
At the same time, UM remains steadfast in its role as a leading national institution, ready to tackle challenges through world-class research and the development of holistic, future-ready graduates.
Noor Azuan expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to this milestone, particularly Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir for his support, as well as the ministry and the government.
"UM extends its deepest appreciation to our chancellor, Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, for his wisdom, guidance, and support over the years," he said.
Meanwhile, in the report released yesterday, QS senior vice-president Ben Sowter said Malaysia is emerging as a leading regional hub for higher education, offering internationally recognised qualifications, strong transnational partnerships, and a vibrant, international academic environment.
"As the country advances towards a high-income economy, the role of its universities becomes increasingly critical.
"To meet the demands of an AI-driven, rapidly evolving global ecosystem, Malaysia's higher education institutions must equip graduates with technical skills and human competencies required to excel in the workforce and drive innovation."
He said that while Malaysia has made significant strides, there remains untapped potential in areas such as employability, sustainability strategy, and research, which are central pillars in the QS' rankings and sustained higher education excellence.
Malaysia has seen one of the world's most remarkable performances in this year's edition, with 70 per cent of its universities climbing the table.
This represents the highest proportion among countries with 10 or more ranked universities.
UM places 16th in Asia. It is the national leader in five of QS' indicators, most prominently in academic reputation (58th) and employer reputation (40th).