Latest news with #UMK
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Experts call for relook on local STEM education as US tightens foreign student policies
KUALA LUMPUR: The tightening of foreign student policies in the United States may have disrupted the study plans of many worldwide, but Malaysian experts say this is an opportunity to relook at support and funding for local institutions. Former deputy higher education director-general Professor Datuk Dr Noor Azizi Ismail said with the right ecosystem, greater autonomy and stronger funding, local universities could offer high-quality education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. "We have the talent. Many of our academics are graduates of world-class universities, but they also possess a better understanding of our local context," he said to the New Straits Times. Noor Azizi, who is also former UMK vice-chancellor and Malaysian Graduate School Entrepreneurship and Business lecturer, acknowledged that the US remained home to top STEM institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard and Stanford. But he said the current restrictions could steer students toward equally strong alternatives. "In fact, our local universities may even be more relevant in addressing regional challenges and industry needs," Noor Azizi added. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) principal director (Academic and Internationalisation) Professor Dr Amir Akramin Shafie echoed the view, saying that "brain stay" could strengthen domestic institutions and fill talent gaps, particularly in Malaysia's key sectors, like semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. Amir Akramin, who is also a lecturer at IIUM's Mechatronics Engineering Department, highlighted the strengths of British and Australian universities, with the former known for its excellence in fundamental sciences and engineering, while the latter led in environmental science, mining and biotechnology. "The perception that the US is the sole leader in STEM might be partially outdated," he said. Amir added that Germany, Japan and South Korea had also invested heavily in STEM education and could now offer globally respected programmes. While some students might initially struggle to shift away from the "US dream", Amir Akramin believed many would adapt and develop new preferences. "This will enhance our diversity and increase the overall international experience of our STEM workforce," he said. Both academics also said with the current US policy, the country might experience reduced exchange of ideas and fewer international collaborations, which would eventually shift the global innovation landscape away from American institutions. "On the upside, a shift from "brain drain" to "brain stay" could help Malaysia strengthen local innovation, build institutional capacity and establish itself as a regional hub for STEM education," said Noor Azizi. On May 27, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a suspension of student visa processing as President Donald Trump's administration ramped up vetting of their social media. It was the latest move after Rubio rescinded hundreds of visas and the Trump administration moved to bar Harvard from admitting non-Americans. Rubio had used an obscure law that allowed the removal of foreigners for activities deemed counter to US foreign policy interests. The most visible targets had been students involved in activism over Gaza. Trump administration officials accused the students of anti-Semitism, charges strenuously denied by a number of those targeted.
Barnama
05-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Sarawak Entrepreneur Spends RM100,000 Over A Decade To Earn Doctorate
BACHOK, May 5 (Bernama) -- To earn his doctorate, a graduate from Miri, Sarawak spent over RM100,000 over nearly a decade of study at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK). Mohd Idres Rosdi, 59, who was conferred a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business and Management, said the amount covered tuition fees and flight expenses for his regular travel between Sarawak and Kelantan since beginning his studies in 2014. He said the extended duration of his studies was due to various challenges, including managing his business and the travel restrictions imposed during the Movement Control Order (MCO) at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 'None of that ever broke my spirit. Today is a historic moment in my life, as I've finally achieved the doctorate I have long dreamed of,' he said when met at UMK's 14th Convocation Ceremony at the Bachok campus. Mohd Idres said the achievement was especially meaningful as it came at a stage in life where he is approaching his golden years. He plans to use the knowledge gained to further develop and expand his business. He firmly believes that it is never too late to pursue one's dreams, as long as there is determination and perseverance. 'The key is to never give up or be easily discouraged. Age is not a barrier to achieving one's goals,' he said. He added that earning his doctorate would enhance his business capabilities and create greater benefits for his staff. A father of four, he also shared that all his children are currently pursuing business studies at local universities, following in his footsteps.
Barnama
05-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
UMK Graduate Employment Rate Reaches 97.2 Pct
BACHOK, May 5 (Bernama) – Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) recorded a Graduate Employment (GE) rate of 97.2 per cent last year, up from 94.5 per cent in 2023. UMK Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Arham Abdullah said the Graduate Marketability (GM) rate was also recorded at 96.7 per cent during the same period. 'This increase proves that UMK continues to produce outstanding graduates who meet industry demands. 'Improving both GE and GM rates remains a priority for the university, and since 2019 and 2020, we have consistently recorded rates above 90 per cent, compared to just 58 per cent in 2017,' he told reporters after delivering his speech at the Pro-Chancellor Proclamation and 14th UMK Convocation Ceremony here today. Arham added that last year, UMK also achieved several key milestones, including being ranked in the 401–600 band in the Times Higher Education Global Impact Rankings 2024. At the Asian level, UMK was placed in the 501–600 bracket in the World University Rankings Asia 2024, putting it on par with other world-class universities in the region. 'UMK was also listed for the first time among the top five universities in Malaysia under the Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025, in the 201–250 band. 'In addition, UMK received the prestigious 2025 Employers' Choice award under the 2025 Talentbank's National Graduate Employability Index initiative,' he said. A total of 3,014 graduates received their degrees at the convocation ceremony, including 53 Doctor of Philosophy graduates, four Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) recipients, 139 Master's degree holders and 2,818 Bachelor's degree graduates, among them 59 international graduates from eight countries.
New Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Tengku Mahkota Kelantan appointed UMK pro-chancellor, graces convocation
BACHOK: Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) today appointed Tengku Mahkota Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra, as its pro-chancellor effective immediately. The proclamation was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir during the Pro-Chancellor Proclamation Ceremony and the university's 14th convocation held at UMK Bachok Campus today. At the ceremony, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry graciously conferred degrees upon 123 UMK graduates in the first session, including 53 doctorate graduates, 44 Master's by Research graduates, 22 Master of Business Administration graduates and four Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduates. Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud was also present at the ceremony. – Bernama
Barnama
05-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Tengku Mahkota Kelantan Appointed UMK Pro-Chancellor
BACHOK, May 5 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) today appointed tTengku Mahkota Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra, as its Pro-Chancellor effective immediately. The proclamation was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir during the Pro-Chancellor Proclamation Ceremony and the university's 14th Convocation held at UMK Bachok Campus today. At the ceremony, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry graciously conferred degrees upon 123 UMK graduates in the first session, including 53 doctorate graduates, 44 Master's by Research graduates, 22 Master of Business Administration graduates and four Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduates.
