UM at its highest global ranking so far

PETALING JAYA: Universiti Malaya (UM) is at its highest position so far in Times Higher Educa-tion (THE) Emerging Economies University Ranking 2019 by moving up nine places, to rank joint 18th with China’s Tongji University.

The rankings editor Ellie Bothwell said UM improved in all indicators, particularly in international outlook and teaching environment.

“To continue this trajectory next year, it should focus on its research environment, in particular research income and its volume of publications,” she told The Star.

Malaysia has 11 institutions in the overall 2019 table, up from nine last year. It retains eight in the top 200 (see table).

It also sees six of its total 11 institutions climb the ladder, with just three declining.

Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib said the ranking shows how the varsity does compared to its peers.

“This enables us to develop stra­tegies to narrow the gap and ensure quality education,” he added.

UTP climbed 17 spots to rank 60th this year.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia deputy vice-chancellor (academic and international affairs) Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Marzuki Mustafa said its rise means it is on the right track.

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman president Prof Datuk Dr Chuah Hean Teik said he has consistently stood by the stance that rankings are “an exercise to improve ourselves.”

Malaysia is one of the success stories of this year’s ranking, with many of its varsities rising, she said.

For more information, visit https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-­rankings/2019/emerging-­economies-university-rankings.