STEERING Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) as an institution rooted in national identity – serving as a catalyst for national unity while gaining global recognition – is Prof Dr Sufian Jusoh’s (pic) vision as its new vice-chancellor.
This vision, he emphasised during the handover ceremony on June 9, aligns with the founding spirit of the varsity in 1970, which championed Bahasa Melayu as the language of knowledge.
Prof Sufian, 57, who will serve a two-year term effective June 5, also expressed his intention to refocus the varsity on the fields of science and technology, in line with the UKM Corporation Order 1971.
“The Order states that UKM’s focus is on knowledge, research, the accumulation and advancement of knowledge, and the dissemination of knowledge in areas such as pure science, applied science, medical science, pharmaceutical science, engineering science, technology, social sciences, humanities, education, Islamic law and comparative theology, accounting, and journalism.
“As such, UKM will be elevated as a world-renowned research university with a focus on the Asean region, which includes several countries in the Nusantara that share Bahasa Melayu as a common language,” he said.
In his speech, Prof Sufian outlined five key priorities for UKM (see infographic), while noting that the varsity must address three main challenges: graduate employability, financial sustainability, and its role as a catalyst for national development.
He also expressed hope that UKM would uphold a robust governance system with high integrity and openness, allowing every member of the varsity to freely share their views.
Prior to his appointment as vice-chancellor, Prof Sufian – an expert in multilateral and regional economic integration, as well as international law – served as director of the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies at the varsity for over seven years, beginning in 2018.
He began his tertiary education at the University of Wales, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws with Honours. In 2003, he pursued a master’s degree in the same field at University College London.
His deep interest in legal studies led him to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Economic Law, graduating with the highest distinction (summa cum laude) from the University of Bern, Switzerland, in 2010.
Prof Sufian has been entrusted with leading the Asean Economic Community 2025 Action Plan and the key economic deliverables under Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship 2025, as part of the Asean Economic Community pillar led by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry, from Sept 12 last year to November 30 this year.
In addition, he served as Malaysia’s representative to the Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia (ERIA) Research Institutes Network for a three-year term beginning in 2022.
The Higher Education Ministry, in a statement on June 6, expressed confidence that Prof Sufian’s appointment as the 14th UKM vice-chancellor will further strengthen the varsity’s academic and research development grounded in national values, while nurturing graduates who are competitive, creative, innovative, and possess a strong sense of identity.
The ministry also extended its appreciation to former UKM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, who stepped down on Feb 2, for his dedicated service in leading UKM during his tenure.
Five key priorities
1. Foster greater innovation by integrating teaching, research and innovation across disciplines, including natural sciences, technical fields and social sciences
2. Strengthen internal collaboration through closer ties, supported by technology and shared expertise
3. Enhance industry collaboration to align teaching and training with market needs, and to support research funding
4. Implement flexible, diversified key performance indicators tailored to departmental needs, where fundraising and student enrolment are not necessarily the main metrics
5. Establish cross-disciplinary research institutes in science, technology and social sciences as the way forward for research
Source: UKM
