From the start, UTP has made research and innovation central to national competitiveness. Its work goes beyond the lab, transforming industries and shaping smarter, more sustainable cities.
UNIVERSITI Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) is celebrating a significant milestone with its 25th Convocation Ceremony on Oct 26–27, marking a quarter-century of nurturing graduates who power industries, advance research and drive change across Malaysia and beyond.
“It’s hard to believe, but we’ve now seen 25 graduating classes walk across that stage since UTP first opened its doors in 1997,” said UTP president Mohamed Firouz Asnan.
“That’s 25 groups of young minds, each stepping into the world with a UTP experience behind them and a future waiting to be shaped.”
From its first batch of brave pioneers who took a chance on a new university, to today’s graduates entering industries transformed by technology, every class has left a mark.
“It’s not just about how many students we’ve graduated. It’s about what they’ve gone on to do—engineers, scientists, innovators and thinkers who are out there powering the nation, leading in global companies, building startups, teaching and giving back in ways big and small,” Mohamed Firouz added.
Since 1997, UTP has produced more than 25,000 graduates from over 65 countries. Many of them have excelled in their respective fields, including Dr Chan Tuck Leong in liquefied natural gas, Lim Chia Wei in the energy industry, Ayu Shahirah Salem in digital technology, and Muhammad Fathy Rashad in artificial intelligence (AI), contributing their expertise to industries and communities worldwide.
This year’s convocation celebrates 1,441 graduates, comprising 1,031 undergraduates, 326 Master’s, and 84 PhDs, alongside the Alumni Homecoming Event, which will bring together more than 500 alumni, including members of the first graduating batch, to lead the convocation procession.
Shaping future-ready leaders
The university integrates professional certifications, a seven-month internship (the longest in Malaysia) and global exchange programmes with partner universities.
Students learn through project-based learning, communication and leadership modules, and exposure to digital tools that prepare them for the future of work.
“A degree alone isn’t enough. As one of the few universities established by industry, for industry, UTP has always focused on producing graduates who are ready for the real world,” said Mohamed Firouz.
UTP’s strong ties with PETRONAS and industry partners ensure its curriculum is regularly updated to meet evolving industry needs.
This close collaboration gives students unparalleled access to real-world exposure through expert mentorship, collaborative projects and a seven-month internship often with PETRONAS that provides invaluable hands-on experience.
“It opens the door to real industry insights. That experience transforms how our students approach work and leadership,” Mohamed Firouz noted.
Continuing its tradition of innovation, UTP recently introduced the Bachelor of Integrated Engineering programme, which commenced in September with its first intake of 50 students.
As the first programme of its kind in Malaysia, it is designed to develop adaptable, cross-disciplinary engineers who can connect the dots between mechanical, chemical, electrical, digital and human systems, addressing the complex challenges of modern industries.
“We call them our agile pioneers, ecosystem innovators, tech champions and sustainability advocates. These are the graduates who will lead industries through transformation.
“These partnerships shape graduates who can contribute not just to the energy sector, but to any industry that demands innovation, resilience and integrity.
“Our goal isn’t just global recognition but global impact—to translate knowledge into solutions that make a difference for communities and industries around the world,” said Mohamed Firouz.
Beyond academic excellence, UTP continues to emphasise ethical leadership and lifelong learning.
“Our mission is to change lives, improve the world and transform societies and industries,” says Mohamed Firouz.
“One of the most powerful ways we achieve this is by fostering a culture of lifelong learning. Earning a degree is just the start; we prepare our graduates to continuously learn, adapt and lead throughout their careers.”
It’s not just about how many students UTP has graduated, but what they’ve gone on to achieve—engineers, scientists, innovators and thinkers powering the nation and making their mark globally.
Research and innovation with real-world impact
UTP’s research journey has grown beyond its early focus on supporting PETRONAS’ technical needs and the oil and gas sector.
Today, it tackles complex challenges across diverse industries, harnessing digital technologies and expanding into critical areas such as sustainable cities, an essential pillar of future-ready, competitive nations.
“From the start, UTP recognised that research and innovation are vital to building national competitiveness,” said Mohamed Firouz.
“Our research goes beyond the laboratory—it transforms industries. We’re driven by solutions that not only advance national priorities but also promote global sustainability, including the development of smarter, more resilient cities.”
To accelerate innovation, UTP established UToPIA (UTP Open Platform for Innovation Acceleration), connecting researchers, startups, industry and government agencies to bring ideas to market faster.
A standout success is Reliabilitology Sdn Bhd, founded by a UTP alumnus. The company’s Smart Crack Technology Instrument, designed to detect and assess crack propagation in industrial assets, became UToPIA’s first licensed startup product, showing how university-based innovation can drive real-world impact.
Going forward, UTP is sharpening its research focus around selected global grand challenges, aligned with its academic strengths and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7, 9, 11 and 13).
Priority areas include smart mobility and nuclear fusion, supported by a growing network of international collaborations.
Building the fifth-generation university
Looking ahead, UTP aspires to evolve into a fifth-generation university—one that goes beyond teaching and research to become a vibrant engine of innovation, entrepreneurship and societal impact.
“With decades of experience in the energy sector, we’re ready to help Malaysia transition towards clean energy frontiers like nuclear fusion,” Mohamed Firouz said.
“Our expertise in managing extreme conditions—pressure, temperature, precision—positions UTP to support the nation in navigating this shift.”
Beyond the energy transition, UTP is empowering Malaysia’s electronics and electrical industries in line with the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030) and contributing to the responsible development of the rare earth elements sector through geoscience and engineering expertise.
Continuing legacy
Mohamed Firouz is committed to making education more accessible and affordable, acknowledging that the cost of private education can be a significant barrier for many talented students.
“Talent, not financial means, should be the key that opens the door to education,” he affirmed.
“That’s why we’re working towards building an endowment fund that goes beyond the support we receive from PETRONAS and the zakat contributions from PETRONAS and UTP staff through Tabung Amanah Zakat UTP.
“It is our hope that UTP will be able to admit all students on a need-blind basis, where an applicant’s financial situation is not considered during the admission process. Therefore, UTP needs to have enough financial resources through the endowment fund to provide targeted financial assistance and scholarships to deserving students, ensuring that their financial challenges don’t stand in the way of their ambitions.
“This whole journey isn’t ours alone. It belongs to our students, our staff, our alumni and especially to our generous partners and supporters who believe in UTP’s mission to make a meaningful difference.”
As UTP commemorates its 25th convocation, its commitment remains steadfast: to nurture future-ready graduates, advance innovation and sustainability, and create lasting positive impact for society.
“Ultimately, our goal is simple yet bold: to become a powerhouse of innovation and engineering excellence in this fast-growing region—a university that communities rely on, that transforms industries, and that makes a positive impact far beyond our borders,” concluded Mohamed Firouz.
