Latest news with #NoorAzuan
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sultan Nazrin presents excellence awards at Universiti Malaya
PETALING JAYA: Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah in his role as chancellor of Universiti Malaya (UM), presented awards to university staff and corporate partners at the 2024 UM Excellence Awards (ACUM) today. His Royal Highness arrived at the ceremony at 2.30 pm and was received by UM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman. Among the top honours presented were the UM Academic Icon Award, the High-Impact Contributor Award (Organisation) and the Special High-Impact Contributor Award (Individual). Additional categories included the Strategic Thinker Partner Award, Research Corporate Partner Award and the UM Medical Centre (PPUM) Corporate Partner Award. Earlier in his remarks, Noor Azuan said the annual awards serve to recognise individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment, integrity and contribution, helping to strengthen the university's standing. 'This year's 14th edition is especially significant as, for the first time, PPUM is among the recipients, reinforcing collaboration across departments,' he said. A total of 45 categories were awarded to 59 recipients, including individuals, research centres and corporate bodies. The university's highest accolade went to Professor Dr Stefanie Shamila Pillai of the English Language Department, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, for her work documenting and archiving Melaka Portuguese, an endangered language in Malaysia. Her project is part of the Endangered Languages Archive under the Endangered Languages Documentation Programme. Noor Azuan also highlighted UM's research achievements, noting the university secured RM163.37 million in grants last year, a 42 per cent increase from 2023, reflecting growing confidence in its research capabilities. In 2024, UM researchers produced 4,325 publications, up 15 per cent from 3,749 the year before.
The Star
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
UM: Cost not the only reason to pick public varsities
Come one, come all: Fairgoers speaking to a UM representative during the Star Education Fair at IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre in Putrajaya. (Inset) Prof Noor Azuan. — Low Boon Tat and CHAN TAK KONG/The Star PUTRAJAYA: Amid Malaysia's wide array of tertiary options, public universities stand out for their adaptability, accessibility, affordability and industry-relevant education, says Universiti Malaya (UM) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman. 'Currently, we have about 1.1 to 1.2 million local students in Malaysia, with 600,000 to 650,000 attending 20 public universities. 'Another 350,000 students are studying at some 309 private universities,' he said at the Star Education Fair 2025 at the IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre here yesterday. He stressed that this trend is not due to a lack of quality in private institutions, which he praised for their excellence, but rather because public universities offer a balanced combination of affordability, relevance and modern infrastructure. He explained that public universities, including UM, are transforming to meet the expectations of a new generation of students. 'The new generation aren't like my generation. They need things fast, beautiful and simplified,' he said, adding that this has pushed public universities to modernise campuses with strong Wi-Fi access and futuristic classrooms. Beyond facilities, Prof Noor Azuan highlighted UM's three-pronged philosophy: community engagement, industry integration and international exposure. He said these integrated strengths make public universities a powerful choice – beyond just affordability. 'Three or four weeks out of the 14-week semester must be taught by an industry professional. 'These weeks are all about sharing their knowledge, experience, expertise and incorporating it into the course content,' he said, adding that students need real-world exposure to understand what is happening beyond the classroom. He also said UM and other public universities ensure their academic programmes – whether in engineering, social sciences or medicine – meet international accreditation standards. 'This means that when our students finish their studies, they can easily work not only in Malaysia but all over the world without question,' he said, adding that a university's core purpose is to create and share knowledge – knowledge that should benefit not only the country but also have global relevance and impact.
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
As Anwar backs varsity freedom, UM pushes ahead with plans to govern without Putrajaya's aid
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — Universiti Malaya (UM) is making significant strides toward achieving full autonomy, aiming to govern independently while reducing its reliance on the government. UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said that the pioneering, bold, and radical approach would enable UM to gain full independence in governance, student admissions, finance, and academics, without compromising its corporate social responsibility. 'As an established and mature university, UM should be progressing towards autonomy without being entirely dependent on government assistance. 'Therefore, UM must think creatively about leveraging its existing advantages to achieve autonomy,' he told Bernama after attending a UM media strategic session with senior management from several local media organisations here today. The session was attended by Broadcasting director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) News Services executive editor Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa, and Harian Metro Group editor Hussain Jahit. Noor Azuan said that there were currently around 1.1 to 1.2 million students nationwide, with 600,000 studying in 20 public universities, while the rest were enrolled in over 300 private institutions. UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Noor Azuan Abu Osman speaks to reporters in Kuala Lumpur on May 13, 2025. — Bernama pic 'In this regard, universities should be creative in obtaining funds without neglecting the quality aspect, and for that, media promotion and advertising are crucial for attracting international students to Malaysia,' he said. He also expressed his appreciation to media practitioners for their continued support and coverage, particularly in conveying the university's messages, initiatives, efforts, and achievements to the public. 'We really appreciate the role of the media, which not only supports UM but also contributes to the development of all universities in Malaysia,' he said. The media had previously reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had expressed his view that public universities should be given full authority to decide on their priorities. The matter was mentioned during the opening ceremony of the Ministry of Higher Education's (MOHE) Strategic and Global Thinkers Discourse 2024, where the Prime Minister called on the MOHE to provide more space for universities to implement programmes aimed at improving the quality of education. — Bernama
