Clear direction: Prof Noor Azuan charting the course for the country's oldest varsity.
UNIVERSITI MALAYA (UM) will be appointing experts as Professors of Practice.
The move, introduced on March 6, said UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman, will enhance academia-industry synergy, allowing students to gain direct exposure to industry leaders, enhancing their critical thinking, leadership and innovation skills, and access high-quality industrial training opportunities.
“We already have candidates for the positions.
“No official appointments have been made yet but we will do so very soon after the due diligence process is done.
“This platform offers the opportunity to engage with influential leaders and expand our horizons.
“Wouldn’t it be exciting to hear our Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat’s invaluable insights on her experience in shaping the legal landscape?” he asked, adding that Professor of Practice positions will refine the varsity’s industry expert appointments, while its ELITE@UM (Experiential Learning with Industries & Technocrats) establishes a holistic learning ecosystem, bridging academia and industry by embedding real-world expertise into classrooms and laboratories.
“All courses must now incorporate industrial elements to be delivered by industry professionals,” he said when delivering his New Year address on Feb 20 at the varsity in Kuala Lumpur.
UM, he added, has also introduced the Pathway to Credit and Exemption (PaCE), an innovative system that permits students to obtain credit exemptions based on prior learning experiences.
Credit transfers and exemptions are designed to be seamless, digital and transparent, ensuring an efficient academic management process that is responsive to student needs, he said.
PaCE, he said, empowers students with greater flexibility in shaping their academic journey while maximising their university experience.
“With PaCE, students can bypass courses covering knowledge they have already mastered, allowing them to fast-track their studies, reduce their academic load, and explore more enriching experiences, be it through mobility programmes, internships or research opportunities.”
He said the varsity will strengthen higher education through university-industry collaboration, quality access and technology to produce highly competitive graduates.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven learning modules and cutting-edge technology, he said, will be incorporated into the university’s virtual learning platforms.
“We must embrace technology, interactive pedagogy and real-world applications to ensure our graduates are not just knowledgeable but also equipped with skills to navigate an unpredictable future.
“AI must be seamlessly integrated into every aspect of teaching and learning, including the supporting systems and services,” he said, adding that the varsity has introduced Digital Visa Services to streamline international student visa applications, and the UM Graduate Verification System (UMGVS) to facilitate fast, secure academic qualification verification for employers and institutions globally.
These initiatives, aimed at eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic delays to provide a seamless experience for international students and graduates, are expected to be fully implemented by December this year, he said.
“Our WiFi system is currently being upgraded to ensure seamless coverage across academic-administrative blocks, residential colleges and all outdoor areas.
“Expected to be completed by the end of August this year, this upgrade will keep our network state-of-the-art for the next six years, optimised for WiFi 7 capabilities and superfast streaming,” he said.
