Kuala lumpur: Universiti Malaya (UM), currently holding the 58th position in global university rankings, has set its sights on breaking into the top 50 by next year. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir emphasized that this goal aligns with UM's ongoing initiatives to enhance its academic excellence, research, innovation, and holistic talent development.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zambry highlighted the university's progress over the years, noting its advancement from the 60s and 70s to its current position. He expressed optimism about UM's potential to reach the top 50, encouraging continued efforts toward this achievement. His remarks came during the inauguration of the Universiti Malaya Ideas Festival 2026 (UM iFEST 2026) at Dewan Tunku Canselor, Universiti Malaya.

In discussing the future of higher education in Malaysia, Dr Zambry underscored the shift from reliance on natural resources to the generation of impactful ideas. He referenced British statesman Sir Winston Churchill and academic Professor Dr Wilhelm Krull, who both envisioned a future where intellectual mastery drives global progress. Highlighting Churchill's perspective, he noted, "The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind."

Dr Zambry commended UM iFEST 2026, an event organized entirely by the university's undergraduates, as a vital platform for promoting advancements in the higher education sector. He expressed a desire to see continuous development among university talents, noting that the festival's theme, "Unleashing Ideas, Igniting Change," encapsulates a transformative vision for education. The initiative aims to foster a more progressive, innovative, and high-impact educational landscape.