Kuala Lumpur: Universiti Malaya (UM) is making significant strides toward achieving full autonomy, aiming to govern independently while reducing its reliance on the government. UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman stated that this pioneering approach would enable UM to gain full independence in governance, student admissions, finance, and academics, without compromising its corporate social responsibility.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prof Noor Azuan emphasized that as an established and mature university, UM should progress towards autonomy without being entirely dependent on government assistance. He highlighted the importance of creative thinking in leveraging UM’s existing advantages to achieve this goal. Speaking after a media strategic session with senior management from various local media organizations, he elaborated on the university’s vision for autonomy.
The session, attended by key figures such as Broadcasting director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) News Services executive editor Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa, and Harian Metro Group editor Hussain Jahit, focused on the role of media in promoting UM’s initiatives.
Prof Noor Azuan noted that approximately 1.1 to 1.2 million students are currently studying nationwide, with 600,000 in 20 public universities and the remainder in over 300 private institutions. He stressed the need for universities to be creative in securing funds without compromising quality, emphasizing the crucial role of media promotion and advertising in attracting international students to Malaysia.
He also expressed gratitude to media practitioners for their continued support and coverage, which significantly aids in conveying the university’s messages, initiatives, efforts, and achievements to the public. Prof Noor Azuan acknowledged the media’s vital role in not only supporting UM but also contributing to the development of all universities in Malaysia.
The media previously reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had expressed his view that public universities should be granted full authority to decide on their priorities. This was discussed during the Ministry of Higher Education’s (MOHE) Strategic and Global Thinkers Discourse 2024, where the Prime Minister urged the MOHE to provide more space for universities to implement programmes aimed at enhancing the quality of education.