Alor setar: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has announced a significant achievement with a graduate marketability rate reaching 96.6% last year, an increase from 95% the previous year. The announcement was made by UUM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, highlighting the university’s success in producing graduates who are competitive and in demand within today’s job market.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UUM has also made significant strides on the international stage, with its position rising in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university has climbed to the 491st position, marking an improvement of 63 places from the previous year. In the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026, UUM advanced to the 65th position in Asia, an increase of 14 places compared to last year. These achievements were highlighted by Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Foad during his speech at the 38th UUM Convocation Ceremony.

The convocation ceremony was graced by the presence of the Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, who is also UUM’s Tuanku Chancellor. Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Foad also shared that UUM’s alumni network has grown to nearly 180,000, with 6,832 graduates from the current convocation. Furthermore, he noted that 93% of this year’s graduates completed the Graduate Tracer Study System (SKPG) prior to collecting their academic robes on November 5.

Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Foad mentioned that data from the system indicates that 918 graduates, which accounts for 15%, are earning more than RM4,000 per month. Additionally, 13 graduates who participated in the convocation ceremony are already earning over RM10,000 per month.

During the ceremony, Sultan Sallehuddin conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Islamic Business Management on Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar, a notable corporate figure and chairman of the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF) University.