UMP to drive forward with ‘Social Enterprise Technological University’ concept - VC

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) looks forward to move ahead with its ‘Social Enterprise Technological University’ concept to ensure long-term self-sustainability, and reduce its financial dependency on the Federal Government’s annual budget provision. 

According to UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff, such concept is already embedded in the university’s long-term Strategic Planning, and its imminent implementation will help UMP be more independent in its drive for excellence while competing with other institutions of higher learning.

“Under the ‘Social Enterprise Technological University’ concept, UMP will further boost its strengths in research, entrepreneurial development and high-integrity administration as we prepare for future challenges,” said the Vice-Chancellor.

Speaking at the university’s recent 14th convocation – held at the Sports Complex of the university’s Gambang Campus on November 16-17, 2019 – Professor Ir. Dr .Wan Azhar said UMP will also enhance its capabilities in the areas of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as the university is one of several institutions of higher learning pre-selected by the Ministry of Education to drive such academic field.

In carrying out the Government’s aspiration on TVET, he highlighted that UMP has initiated an organizational transformation programme, including planning and implementation of several initiatives, to create a direct route for graduates with the Malaysian diplomas of vocational and skills to pursue their bachelor’s degrees at the university.  

“UMP now ranks as the 7th best university in the country and 271st in the world, for its engineering programmes. It also stands at 741st best in chemistry among universities worldwide,” said Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar proudly.

Quoting the standings cited in the US News & World Report website, he said the engineering programme rankings were based on 13 factors, including global and local research credibility, number of publications and their percentages, as well as international collaboration.