UMPSA to open Kuala Lumpur Learning Centre as part of its vision to become an Advanced TVET Hub in ASEAN

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 August 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) is set to establish the UMPSA Kuala Lumpur Learning Centre (UMPSA KL) as part of its mission to expand access to higher education—particularly Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)—for urban communities and working professionals.

This initiative marks a significant step in UMPSA’s preparations to strengthen its position as an advanced TVET hub in the ASEAN region, founded on academic excellence, international networks, and the capability to produce highly skilled graduates.

With Kuala Lumpur serving as a strategic location, UMPSA aims to attract more students from the central and southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia. 

The new learning centre is expected to benefit urban students, working adults seeking upskilling opportunities, as well as industry partners and government agencies interested in collaborating on technical training and professional development.

UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, described the initiative as the right move to broaden access to quality higher education while offering flexible learning opportunities for students both locally and internationally.

“This initiative ensures that young people can access high-quality technical skills in line with the needs of today’s labour market, which increasingly demands highly skilled workers.

“It is timely for UMPSA to establish a learning centre in Kuala Lumpur, providing a strategic pathway for students to pursue TVET programmes without having to travel to our campuses in Pekan and Gambang, Pahang.

“This effort also aligns with the government’s aspiration to strengthen TVET as a key driver of human capital development, supporting the country’s transition towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive Madani economy,” she said.

Professor Dr. Yatimah added that the initiative forms part of UMPSA’s Transformation Plan to become a world-class technological university, one that emphasises flexible learning, accessibility, and industry collaboration.

She also noted that UMPSA has been recognised as a Quality Verification Centre (QVC) for Stand-Alone Micro-Credentials (SAMC) courses, which play a vital role in expanding access and flexibility in higher education.

“The approval of UMPSA as a QVC allows working adults to continue their studies in a formal setting. 

“Micro-credentials, in particular, serve as an entryway for those who may not have had the chance to pursue conventional higher education,” she explained.

She explained that this recognition is a key strategy to strengthen the implementation of micro-credential courses in line with the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) standards.

“With this new learning centre, the university will be able to offer more professional and competitive programmes in the future.

“These include short-term training, industry certifications, and lifelong learning (PSH) programmes delivered through UMPSA Advanced

“At the same time, it will further boost UMPSA Holdings’ efforts to commercialise UMPSA’s innovations and strengthen industry-university-community collaboration,” she said.

The learning centre will also be equipped with modern facilities built on digital technology, featuring smart classrooms and hybrid teaching systems. It will serve as a hub for industry and community networking, knowledge transfer, executive training, and professional development activities.

This initiative reflects UMPSA’s commitment under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the National TVET Policy. Through both physical and digital expansion into metropolitan areas, the university aims to create more opportunities for strategic collaboration and place greater emphasis on high-growth, high-value (HGHV) sectors driven by advanced technologies to meet industry workforce demands.

Professor Dr. Yatimah added that the new centre will not only open up more study options for students but will also strengthen university-industry synergies in line with the Sustainable Development Agenda and our effort to nurture a highly skilled workforce that matches the future needs of the industry she said.

She was present to review preparations and attend a coordination meeting with UMPSA’s wholly owned subsidiaries, UMPSA Holdings and UMPSA Advanced.

She expressed her appreciation to all parties involved, particularly UMPSA’s strategic industry partner, Halim Mazmin Group (HMG), for their strong support in making the centre a reality.

Present at the coordination meeting were Tan Sri (Dr.) Halim Mohammad, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of HMG; Ts. Mohd Fadzil Mohd Idris, Group Chief Executive Officer of UMPSA Holdings; and Dr. Ahmad Johari Mohamad, Chief Executive Officer of UMPSA Advanced.

Also in attendance were Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International); Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni); Dato’ Zainuddin Othman, UMPSA Treasurer; and Dato’ Saiful Bahri Ahmad Bakarim, Registrar.

TVET remains a national development priority, with 60 percent of new job opportunities in Malaysia projected to require technical and vocational skills by 2030.

By: Mimi Rabita Abd Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPCC)