UMPSA listed among Best Universities at MQA Awards 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 August 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence in higher education as it was listed among the top five in the 2025 Quality Assurance Grand Award, top three in the Excellence Award for Higher Education Providers (HEPs) in the TVET category, as well as top five in the Excellence Award for HEPs: Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) at the recent MQA Awards 2025.

This achievement is even more meaningful as UMPSA only submitted entries in two main categories, namely the Excellence Award for HEPs: Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) – University category and the Excellence Award for HEPs: TVET – University and University College category, according to the MQA Awards 2025 guidelines.

The event, held for the first time, became an important platform to recognise institutions and individuals excelling in academic quality, innovation, and governance, encompassing all higher education sectors, including public and private universities, polytechnics, community colleges, private colleges, and public training institutes.

Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in his speech, emphasised that the quality of higher education is now a key requirement to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of national development in line with the MADANI Economic Aspirations and the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2025–2035 (PPTM 2025–2035).

“MQA cannot merely be a setter of national qualification standards but must also act as a driver of innovation, a talent generator, and a builder of resilient human capital capable of enhancing graduates’ employability at the global level,” he said.

He also announced that, for the first time, Malaysia is introducing Higher-Level TVET at Master’s and Doctoral levels through the approval of the Master of Professional Practice and Doctor of Professional Practice at Levels 7 and 8 of the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF), enabling TVET graduates to pursue the highest academic qualifications without structural barriers.

Meanwhile, Minister of Higher Education, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, stated that this event was a strategic platform that strengthens international recognition of Malaysia’s qualifications.

He also informed that MQA’s achievements include the expansion of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with countries such as China, the United Kingdom, and Australia, as well as the implementation of the MQF Second Edition starting 1 August 2026.

Chief Executive Officer of MQA, Professor Dato’ Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran, stressed that the MQA Awards are a national symbol of appreciation towards all institutions, from research universities to polytechnics and community colleges, that have made quality a culture rather than merely fulfilling accreditation requirements.

UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Yatimah Alias, who was also present with the university delegation, described this recognition as the result of the collective effort of the entire UMPSA community.

“UMPSA’s placement among the nation’s best proves the effectiveness of our quality assurance system and our capability as a leader in TVET education.

“Although we have not yet won a trophy, this achievement provides motivation to strive further at national and international levels,” she said.

The event also witnessed Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) being named the recipient of the Quality Assurance Grand Award, along with various other categories, including the Special Award, Quality Assurance Icon Award, and the Lifelong Learning Award (PSH).

Also present were the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Yang Berhormat Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud; Chairman of MQA, Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr Zaini Ujang; Chairman of the MQA Awards 2025 Committee and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MQA, Professor Ts. Dr M. Iqbal Saripan; Chairman of the UMPSA Board of Directors, Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar; representatives of higher education leadership, academic figures, and industry partners.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press