UMPSA VC targets 6 key focus areas to remain excellent and more competitive

PEKAN, 12 March 2025 – The Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, has identified six key focus areas to develop a competitive university community by prioritising the ability to respond to technological, industrial, and global changes.

She is confident that UMPSA, with its vast potential, will further excel as a leading technology university.

“I want to see every UMPSA staff member enhance their work quality and skills by cultivating a work culture based on SPIROS, which stands for Skills, Perfection, Impact, Resilience, Optimisation, and Sustainability.

“This balanced and holistic approach has the potential to make UMPSA more excellent and competitive.

“Every UMPSA staff member should be capable of fulfilling their responsibilities based on their respective expertise, strengthened by technology,” she stated.

She further explained that work processes should emphasise governance and integrity to minimise errors and wastage.

“The outcome and quality of work must create a positive impact and benefit the university while aligning with the needs of the government, industry, and society.

“A clear understanding of skills can enhance efficiency and expertise needed for continuous success.

“Secondly, every work quality must aim for perfection, with meticulous attention to detail and zero errors,” she said during the Engagement Session with Administrators at the UMPSA Senate Hall in Pekan.

She also emphasised the importance of impact, stating that every contribution must have a magnitude of impact on societal, industrial, and national needs.

“Equally important is resilience, which refers to the ability to endure internal or global pressures and challenges.

“To remain relevant, two other key aspects—optimisation and sustainability—must be upheld through continuous improvement, sustainability, and competitiveness in resource management.

“SPIROS aligns with UMPSA’s Core Values, which serve as a guiding principle for the university community,” she explained.

She added that UMPSA's five Core Values are strong bond with the Creator, steadfast in upholding shared principles, creative in making wise decisions, resolute in facing challenges, and proactive in taking actions.

Discussing the university’s development status, she noted that UMPSA is still working to complete student facilities, learning infrastructure, and hostel accommodations.

“In addition, UMPSA will continue to enhance its international reputation through dual degree programmes, collaborations with world-renowned universities, and participation in student exchange and research programmes.
“Furthermore, UMPSA’s credibility as a top technical university will be strengthened by improving teaching quality, research, and governance.

“UMPSA will also continue focusing on community contributions through impactful university social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, particularly within the campus vicinity,” she stated.

UMPSA is currently formulating the UMPSA Strategic Plan 2026-2030 (UMPSA30) as a continuation of the UMPSA Strategic Plan 2021-2025 (UMPSA25).

Additionally, she revealed that UMPSA will establish a task force to develop the 2050 Transformation Plan, considering future directions and prospects.

For the record, since being appointed as Vice-Chancellor on 13 January 2025, Professor Dr. Yatimah has conducted over 20 engagement sessions with various Responsibility Centres (PTJ), associations, and young lecturers.

By: Mimi Rabita Abd Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Dr Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, UMPSA Press