UTP, UM subjects top ranked globally

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) is the top ranked Malaysian higher education institution (HEI) in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2023. At 16th spot for Petroleum Engineering, it broke into the top 20 in the world, up from its 22nd spot last year.

Universiti Malaya (UM) is Malaysia’s strongest institution overall, with 36 subjects ranked, including 15 in the world’s top 100. This, however, is a decrease in two subjects, compared with last year’s 17.

Among the universities with 10 or more ranked subjects, UTP, whose Mineral and Mining Engineering programme also climbed into the world’s top 50 and Chemical Engineering into the top 100, is the world’s most improved institution, with an overall improvement of 82%.

None of UTP’s 11 ranked subjects declined in this year’s rankings, making it one of only eight universities in the world with 10 or more entries to achieve this feat.

UTP vice chancellor Prof Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib said the rankings were indicative of the depth and breadth of the varsity’s high-quality programmes.

“This outcome speaks to our comprehensive strategy to be a sustainable, dynamic and digitalised university delivering global impact in engineering, science, technology, humanities and innovation,” he said.

Of UM’s 36 ranked subjects, two were in the top 50 – Library and Information Management at 27th, and Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies at 43rd.

Chemistry at UM is Malaysia’s most improved subject, climbing 33 ranks to place 104th.

UM vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor said he was “satisfied” with the varsity’s performance, considering the uncertainties introduced by changes in QS’ methodology and the inclusion of the International Research Network indicator for the first time in the ranking of individual subjects.

He expressed confidence that the varsity would improve by focusing on income generation, teaching and learning, research and innovation, talent, and entrepreneurship.

Taylor’s University is the second highest ranked local HEI, with its Hospitality and Leisure Management subject at 17th spot globally – this marks seven consecutive years that the varsity has been ranked the top Malaysian institution for the subject.

It is also among the world’s 20 most improved institutions with 10 or more ranked subjects.

Taylor’s University vice chancellor and president Prof Michael Driscoll attributed the institution’s success to its curriculum innovation and adaptability to the changing education landscape.

“We are constantly evolving our programnes to ensure that our graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s dynamic and ever-changing industries,” he said.

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) is the third highest ranked local HEI, with its Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies at 19th spot globally.

The fourth highest ranked local HEI is UCSI University, with its Performing Arts listed 21st globally.

Its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir said the rankings showed that UCSI University, which also ranked 34th globally for its Hospitality and Leisure Management, was making an impact in both academia and industry.

“Maintaining an upward trajectory year after year is not easy and while there are many encouraging takeaways, we remain focused on evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing economy,” she said.

Another local HEI in the top 50 ranking is Management and Science University (MSU), with its Hospitality and Leisure Management at 46th spot globally, which was a jump from its previous 101-150 band.

MSU president Prof Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid said the varsity’s achievement was a testament to its effort in providing quality education.

“The university’s commitment towards excellence in producing balanced, holistic, well-rounded graduates remains essential; with supporting ecosystems of industry-embedded curriculum, entrepreneurship, international collaborations, as well as research encompassing a cohesive learning environment that ensures our graduates meet global standards while rooted in heritage values.”

The rankings provide independent comparative analysis on the performance of more than 15,700 individual university programmes, taken by students at 1,594 universities, which can be found in 93 locations across the world, across 54 academic disciplines and five broad faculty areas.

The faculty areas are Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences.

The full rankings, released on March 22, can be found at https://www.TopUniversities.com/subject-rankings/2023.