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KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 -- Applications for the RM5 million ‘Dana Pemangkin Generasi MADANI’ will officially open from June 1 to 30 to support the production of creative content that reflects the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the fund, provided through the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), is open to eligible local companies and youth organisations. Fahmi, who is also MADANI Government spokesperson, said the fund covers five main production categories, namely telemovies, documentaries, short films, short documentaries and animation. “Through this fund, the Communications Ministry via FINAS aims to support the production of content that reflects the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, with emphasis on strengthening identity, harmony, integrity and social unity,” he said. Fahmi was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Festival Belia @ National Youth Day 2026 celebration for the Federal Territories here today. Fahmi said the content produced must also be in line with the principle of respecting 3R sensitivities involving religion, race and the royal institution. “Therefore, I urge all eligible parties to seize this opportunity by submitting applications to continue creating, innovating and producing creative, high-quality artistic works that can bring positive impact to society and the country,” he said. He also said the fund is among the strategic components introduced to strengthen the creative youth ecosystem through various initiatives, including the Film Community and Creative Youth Workshop, Reel MADANI@Kampus Programme, Ikon Belia Kreatif MADANI and special collaboration programmes with the Malaysian Youth Council and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). At the same event, Fahmi also witnessed the exchange of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between FINAS and TikTok Malaysia for a strategic collaboration aimed at building a stronger support ecosystem to nurture a generation of capable, ethical and competitive content creators. “The collaboration between FINAS and TikTok is expected to help more local youths produce, promote and bring their creative works to the international market through broader industry support, technology and global reach,” he said. Fahmi also officiated the presentation of Letters of Acceptance (SST) for the Reel MADANI@Kampus Programme to 15 public and private higher learning institutions. The programme aims to encourage students to produce quality and creative short-form video or reel content based on Malaysia MADANI values for participation in the FINAS Short Film and Video Festival (FFPV). -- BERNAMA

Applications Open June 1 For RM5 Mln MADANI Content Fund – Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — Applications for the RM5 million ‘Dana Pemangkin Generasi MADANI’ will officially open from June 1 to 30 to support the production of creative content that .... read more

GEORGE TOWN, May 24 -- The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) is mobilising four of its financing agencies to go to the ground and engage micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing advisory services and direct financing assistance. Its Minister, Steven Sim, said the four agencies are the National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund (TEKUN Nasional), Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), SME Bank and Bank Rakyat, which are regularly deployed, including during the nationwide KUSKOP MADANI Sales programme. He said the move is also in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for microcredit agencies to be more proactive in reaching out to the public and entrepreneurs. “We always go to the ground, provide face-to-face advisory services, and, if anyone is interested in registering with complete documents, they can apply on the spot. “So, we do not wait for customers to come to the office. Instead, we seek out customers, entrepreneurs and petty traders to provide assistance to them,” he told reporters after officiating the Family Day Carnival held in conjunction with the Sungai Pinang state constituency KUSKOP MADANI Sales programme today. Also present was chairman of the state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Muslim Affairs Committee Lim Siew Khim, who is also the Sungai Pinang assemblywoman. Yesterday, Anwar called on relevant agencies to intensify efforts to go to the ground and provide information to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on financing facilities and assistance offered by the government. The Finance Minister said this was important to ensure the group does not miss out on various initiatives specifically designed to help increase income and expand businesses. Meanwhile, Sim said KUSKOP is always open to discussions with MSMEs facing cash flow problems or affected by economic crisis and disasters. He said this includes assistance through moratoriums and loan repayment rescheduling, which are part of the ministry’s efforts to support MSMEs. According to him, the non-performing loan (NPL) rate involving financing agencies under KUSKOP has also shown improvement over the past one to two years, with fewer borrowers defaulting on repayments. -- BERNAMA

KUSKOP Financing Agencies Go To The Ground To Reach MSMEs, In Line With PM’s Call – Sim

GEORGE TOWN, May 24 — The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) is mobilising four of its financing agencies to go to the ground and engage micro, small and .... read more

SIBU, May 24 -- A total of RM500,000 has been allocated for the implementation of the MADANI Adopted Village Project in Batu Luking, Kanowit near here, involving the upgrading of the water supply system for residents of three longhouses and a primary school. National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang said the construction of the clean water tank was crucial to ensure residents have access to sufficient, stable and safe water supply. Aaron, who is also the Kanowit MP, said the project involves Rumah Bibi, Rumah Johnny, Rumah Morris and SK Batu Luking, which are the main focus of the development initiative in the area. “The MADANI Adopted Village Programme is an integrated effort to bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas through improvements to basic infrastructure such as clean water supply, electricity, road networks, enhanced digital connectivity, community empowerment and strengthening the local socioeconomic landscape,” he said. He told reporters this after launching the Batu Luking MADANI Adopted Village Project at Rumah Bibi today. Aaron hoped the project would be implemented by the end of this year, stressing that the programme demonstrates the MADANI Government’s commitment to ensuring every development intervention has a direct impact on the people’s well-being, while ensuring no community is left behind in the nation’s development. According to him, the programme is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in efforts to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality and ensure inclusive development. He said the MADANI Adopted Village Programme has shown significant growth in implementation and coverage, involving 43 villages during its initial phase in 2024 before expanding to 219 villages last year. “For this year, the expansion target has been set at up to 500 villages with a more aggressive approach, including the implementation of innovative projects such as off-grid solar energy for areas requiring alternative energy solutions,” he said. -- BERNAMA

RM500,000 Allocated For Batu Luking MADANI Adopted Village

SIBU, May 24 — A total of RM500,000 has been allocated for the implementation of the MADANI Adopted Village Project in Batu Luking, Kanowit near here, involving the upgrading of .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 -- Police have confirmed that a fake bomb threat was received at a prominent building in the capital last night. Brickfields District Police Chief ACP Hoo Chang Hook said his department received a call about the incident at 9.09pm from a security guard at the building. "The security guard informed us that he had received an email sent to the customer service centre saying that someone had placed a bomb on the 23rd floor of the building's north tower," he said in a statement here yesterday. Hoo said the Bomb Disposal Unit, Detection Dog Unit and Forensic Unit were then deployed to the location to conduct a search and found it to be a false threat. "The case is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998 and Section 507 of the Penal Code," he said. --BERNAMA

Police confirm fake bomb threat at a building in the capital last night

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — Police have confirmed that a fake bomb threat was received at a prominent building in the capital last night. Brickfields District Police Chief ACP Hoo .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, May 24 -- Strong public response to the Johor Jualan Kasih (JKJ) programme ahead of Aidiladha reflects how the state government’s initiative has become a source of relief for households in coping with rising living costs while preparing for the festive season. A Bernama survey at the Bandar Baru Uda Farmers’ Market here found many consumers taking the opportunity to purchase the Kasih Combo Set, comprising essential items such as one chicken, a tray of eggs and two litres of cooking oil for about RM15, representing savings of around 30 per cent per purchase. Former Social Welfare Department (JKM) employee Abdullah Din, 70, said he and his wife came to the sales location after learning about the programme through the TikTok application. “The combo set offered is much cheaper than market prices and comes at a very timely moment ahead of Hari Raya Aidiladha next week,” he said. The overwhelming response has indirectly reflected how the state government’s initiative serves as a “breathing space”, offering relief to the people in coping with cost-of-living pressures. Healthcare worker Mohd Faizal Samsudin, 43, expressed hope that the initiative would be expanded to more locations so that more people could benefit and save on household spending. Meanwhile, private sector employee S. Nithya, 38, from Perling, who attended with her mother and siblings, described the prices offered under JKJ as reminiscent of an earlier time when goods could be bought at lower prices. “It’s good that JKJ exists because at least we can enjoy direct benefits. Even if we have to queue early in the morning, it’s worth it as long as we can get cheaper goods,” she said. Housewife Kamariah Ahmad, 60, expressed gratitude for the state government’s concern and hoped similar efforts would be expanded, including increasing chicken supplies as it is her children’s favourite item, especially for the festive season. Meanwhile, at the Permanent Farmers’ Market in Mersing, visually impaired senior citizen Husin Ali, 76, from Kampung Tenglu, said he was grateful that the combo set was sufficient to support him and his wife for about two weeks, including throughout the festive season. Housewife Norazimah Mohd Yasa, 51, from Kampung Sungai Muka Dua and security guard Syed Haiqual Syed Mohamed, 35, also shared the view that the programme represented a golden opportunity to save for those with unstable and limited incomes. For physically disabled single mother Nora Mohd, 46, she said she always looked forward to such programmes and would make an effort to attend even if the venue was far from her home in Kampung Wak Salam. “Sometimes, even when I’m not feeling well, I still make the effort to come because the savings are significant. With RM15, you can get three essential items. You definitely can’t get that elsewhere,” said the mother of three. Norazimah Mohd Yasa, 51, who travelled by motorcycle from Kampung Sungai Muka Dua, said she always kept track of announcements on the discounted sales programme introduced since 2023, as the significant price differences helped reduce monthly household expenses. “My husband works as a tow truck driver and his income is irregular, so we have to be more careful with daily spending,” said the mother of three. To meet high demand during the festive season, JKJ implementation for this month and June will continue with a target of benefiting 750,200 families, involving more than three million recipients across the state. The programme includes the offering of more than 750,000 Kasih Combo Sets, alongside sales of various other items such as vegetables, fish and agro-based products at reasonable prices. -- BERNAMA

Johor Jualan Kasih Eases Cost Pressures Ahead Of Aidiladha

JOHOR BAHRU, May 24 — Strong public response to the Johor Jualan Kasih (JKJ) programme ahead of Aidiladha reflects how the state government’s initiative has become a source of relief .... read more

SUNGAI BULOH, May 24 — Datuk Seri Ramanan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the welfare and skills development of gig workers through various initiatives under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA),yesterday. He said the MADANI Government remains focused on building a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable gig economy ecosystem, particularly for e-hailing drivers and p-hailing riders who continue to play an important role in supporting the daily needs of the public. Speaking during the Grab Partner Appreciation Ceremony organised by Grab Holdings in collaboration with Central Mart Saujana Utama, Ramanan said the event brought together nearly 1,000 e-hailing drivers and p-hailing dispatch riders from the Sungai Buloh parliamentary constituency. He expressed appreciation to gig workers who continue to face various challenges including harsh weather conditions, traffic congestion and rising living costs while ensuring smooth delivery and transportation services for the community. “Without them, many of society’s daily needs would not arrive on time. Their contribution is significant and deserves recognition,” he said. Ramanan noted that programmes such as the appreciation ceremony also serve as an important platform for the government to listen directly to the concerns and aspirations of gig workers, particularly on issues involving cost of living, social protection and long-term economic security. Among the initiatives highlighted was the Economic Resilience Package (PACE), involving an allocation of RM20 million aimed at helping gig workers improve their financial resilience amid current economic pressures. He added that the government has also introduced the RM110 million MyMahir AI Programme to expand access to digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills training, enabling gig workers to enhance their capabilities and increase future income opportunities. In addition, gig workers are encouraged to participate in technical training programmes at Advanced Technology Training Centres (ADTEC) under the Department of Human Resources (JTM), as well as explore broader career opportunities through the Social Security Organisation MYFutureJobs platform. During the event, Ramanan also presented contributions to several Grab partners as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication and service to the community. He stressed that KESUMA will continue ensuring that every initiative introduced translates into meaningful benefits for workers striving daily to earn a living. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB: RAMANAN RAMAKRISHNAN

Datuk Seri Ramanan: KESUMA Continues Strengthening Welfare And Skills Development Of Gig Workers

SUNGAI BULOH, May 24 — Datuk Seri Ramanan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the welfare and skills development of gig workers through various initiatives under the Ministry of Human .... read more

SUNGAI BULOH, May 24 — Datuk Seri Ramanan said more than RM6.7 million in Projek Mesra Rakyat (PMR) allocations have been channelled since he was entrusted with the mandate as Member of Parliament for Sungai Buloh to strengthen community development and improve public infrastructure in the constituency,yesterday. He said the allocations covered various initiatives including the upgrading of community halls, enhancement of public amenities, local infrastructure development, and improvements to basic facilities for the well-being of residents. Earlier yesterday , Ramanan together with the Sungai Buloh Parliamentary Service Centre team conducted a working visit to inspect several proposed PMR 2026 project sites around the constituency, involving the community halls at Kampung Paya Jaras Dalam, Kampung Paya Jaras Tengah, and Kampung Melayu Subang. According to him, the visit was part of his ongoing commitment to ensure that development planning is truly based on the needs of grassroots communities. “Feedback from local residents plays an important role in determining project priorities so that every allocation provides optimum benefits to the community,” he said in a statement yesterday. Ramanan added that more than RM700,000 in PMR 2026 allocations had already been channelled as of this month, reflecting continued efforts to accelerate people-centric development in a more organised, inclusive, and high-impact manner. He stressed that his priority remains ensuring that development in the Sungai Buloh parliamentary constituency is implemented in a focused manner and delivers direct value to the people. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB RAMANAN RAMAKRISHNAN

Datuk Seri Ramanan: Over RM6.7 Million Allocated For Community Development In Sungai Buloh

SUNGAI BULOH, May 24 — Datuk Seri Ramanan said more than RM6.7 million in Projek Mesra Rakyat (PMR) allocations have been channelled since he was entrusted with the mandate as .... read more

IPOH, May 23 -- A teenage girl has been reported missing after possibly being lost while hiking at Bukit Changkat Asa near Tanjong Malim today. Perak Fire and Rescue Department operations division assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said they received a call at 1.26 pm and dispatched a team of firefighters to the location. "A girl, Nur Izzati Humaira Azizul, 19, is believed to have gotten lost while descending the hill during a hike with five friends and family members,” he said in a statement tonight, adding that the search began at the last place she was seen. The search and rescue operation was suspended at 7 pm today and would be handed over to the Kuala Kubu Bharu Fire and Rescue Department for further action, he added. -- BERNAMA

Teenage Girl Missing While Hiking In Tanjong Malim

IPOH, May 23 — A teenage girl has been reported missing after possibly being lost while hiking at Bukit Changkat Asa near Tanjong Malim today. Perak Fire and Rescue Department .... read more

MELAKA, May 23 -- The government has approved a RM5 million allocation under the 2026 Budget initiative to implement the Ritma Kehidupan Harmoni (Rythm) Programme nationwide this year. Social Welfare Department (JKM) director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan said the programme includes 133 Healthy Elderly programmes and 133 therapy programmes for persons with disabilities (PwDs), expected to benefit 13,300 senior citizens and PwDs this year. He said the initiative also includes six zonal training series involving 2,900 participants. “The Rythm Programme aims to improve the wellbeing of the elderly and PwDs through health and therapy programmes at Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PAWE), Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres (PDK) and Welfare Department institutions nationwide. “It also focuses on social wellbeing, holistic care and strengthening intergenerational ties to build a more caring and inclusive community,” he told reporters here today. Earlier, he officiated the Southern Zone Basic Care Seminar for the Elderly and PwDs held in conjunction with the programme, which was also attended by Melaka Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Datuk Kalsom Nordin. Che Murad said the programme involves strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), particularly in youth volunteerism and welfare activities. He said the initiative not only nurtures compassion and volunteerism among youths, but also strengthens community support for the elderly and PwDs. “It also serves as a platform to unite communities across generations, strengthen social support networks and build a more caring and inclusive society,” he said. For the southern zone covering Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Johor, he said JKM had implemented 12 of the 13 targeted programmes under the first phase, with plans to expand the initiative to the central, northern, eastern, Sabah and Sarawak zones. “So far, the programme in the southern zone has benefited 608 elderly individuals, with the involvement of 438 youth volunteers,” he added. -- BERNAMA

RM5 Mln Set Aside For Rhythm Programme This Year

MELAKA, May 23 — The government has approved a RM5 million allocation under the 2026 Budget initiative to implement the Ritma Kehidupan Harmoni (Rythm) Programme nationwide this year. Social Welfare .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 -- The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) has called on the government to strengthen monitoring of essential goods prices and enforcement following the expansion of the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS). In a statement today, FOMCA said that although the expansion of diesel subsidies for jeeps and pick-up trucks nationwide could help reduce transportation costs, there is no automatic guarantee that the savings would translate into lower retail prices. “Fuel and logistics costs are important components within the supply chain. However, effective monitoring and enforcement are necessary to ensure that cost savings are reflected in retail prices instead of being absorbed as additional profits by certain parties,” it said. FOMCA also welcomed the government’s decision to expand the SKDS eligibility for jeeps and pick-up trucks nationwide, particularly for operators involved in land freight transportation. The association said the move was timely as transportation and logistics costs continued to contribute to higher prices of food, agricultural produce and daily essentials faced by consumers. According to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the improved SKDS mechanism will allow companies nationwide that own jeeps and pick-up trucks for land freight purposes to register under the system beginning June 1. The government has also expanded eligibility to include certain vehicles previously registered under individual ownership, subject to company registration and transfer of vehicle ownership requirements. FOMCA said it appreciated the government’s continued efforts to address the rising cost of living amid global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, which have contributed to higher global fuel and commodity prices. -- BERNAMA

FOMCA Calls For Stronger Monitoring Following SKDS Expansion

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) has called on the government to strengthen monitoring of essential goods prices and enforcement following the expansion of .... read more

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JOHOR BAHRU, June 18 -- A total of 100 students from Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ) are expected to benefit from the exploration of a collaboration for the Program for Scientifically-Inspired Leadership (PSIL) between the Johor State Government and Harvard University, United States. State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the programme, which was established in 2019 by the university, places emphasis on active learning, critical thinking, effective communication and leadership development. "The initial proposal for the implementation of PSIL with SRBJ in January 2027 will involve 100 selected students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tasek Utara and SMK Seri Kota Puteri 2," he said in a Facebook post. Aznan said the benefits of the programme are also extended to 40 SRBJ teachers through active learning pedagogy workshops to strengthen more interactive, creative and effective teaching methods in ensuring a conducive learning environment. Yesterday, the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail received a delegation from the university led by assistant director of Undergraduate Studies who is also a Lecturer in Molecular and Cellular Biology Dr Dominic Mao and assistant dean of Harvard College Dr Andrea Wright. Aznan said the meeting proved the Tunku Mahkota’s commitment and foresight in strengthening the state's education ecosystem through strategic networking with international institutions, thus opening up opportunities for Johor children to be exposed to a global learning culture. SRBJ emphasises the mastery of the English without marginalising the Malay language, strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills, personality development and student marketability, as well as implementing competency assessments equivalent to international-standard assessments and in line with the policies of the Ministry of Education. -- BERNAMA

100 Pilot School Students In Johor Expected To Benefit From PSIL

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 -- National women's squash player, S. Sivasangari created a sensation when she successfully advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025/2026 PSA Tour Finals after defeating Japanese representative Satomi Watanabe early this morning. In the action held in Centquatre-Paris, France, the 27-year-old player had no problem defeating her opponent in straight sets 11-9, 11-6, 11-9 in 35 minutes. Awaiting Sivasangari in the semi-finals scheduled to take place early Saturday morning Malaysian time is the tournament's top seed Amina Orfi from Egypt. Earlier, Amina confirmed her slot to the semi-finals after defeating Belgian representative, Tinne Gilis 11-1, 11-8, 6-11, 11-5 in 57 minutes. -- BERNAMA

2025-2026 PSA Tour Finals: Sivasangari Checks Into Semi-finals

HOUSTON, June 18 — Cristiano Ronaldo's performance came under the spotlight after Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portugal captain, making a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance alongside Argentina star Lionel Messi, endured a frustrating evening as he failed to convert two promising second-half opportunities that could have secured victory for his side. The 41-year-old striker missed a close-range chance that drifted wide of the target, leaving Portugal to settle for a point against a determined DR Congo side competing in their first World Cup finals in more than 50 years. Ronaldo's missed opportunities appeared to frustrate some teammates, including midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who was in a better position during one of the attacking moves that ended without a goal. Match statistics further highlighted Ronaldo's quiet display, with the veteran forward registering just 25 touches — the fewest among all Portuguese players who were on the pitch for more than 45 minutes. Despite growing debate over Ronaldo's effectiveness, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez defended his captain, arguing that the striker was not provided with sufficient service by his teammates. "We need to make use of all the players on the field. The main striker needs to be near the six-yard box and we need to pass the ball to him," Martinez said after the match. The Portuguese coach also dismissed suggestions that Ronaldo should be dropped from the starting lineup, emphasizing the importance of his experience and goal-scoring pedigree. "It doesn't make sense to take out the top scorer in the history of international football when the team needs goals," Martinez said. "Cristiano's experience inside the penalty area and his ability to attract defenders create space for other players." Questions surrounding Ronaldo's role in the national team have persisted in recent years, with discussions centering on whether he should remain a regular starter or be used as an impact substitute. Nevertheless, the veteran forward's remarkable international record of 143 goals in 229 appearances continues to underline his status as one of football's most influential and accomplished players. Portugal will now look to improve in their next Group K fixture as they seek to strengthen their bid for a place in the knockout stages. -- MINUTESMY

World Cup 2026: Ronaldo Under Scrutiny as Portugal Held by DR Congo

HYDERABAD, JUNE 18 -- India says "significant progress" has been made in efforts to seal a long-awaited trade deal with the United States (US). This was among the issues discussed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump during their meeting on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Evian, France on Wednesday. "The leaders expressed satisfaction at the significant progress made in the negotiations towards an Interim Bilateral Trade Agreement and directed their respective officials to finalize an agreement that is balanced, mutually beneficial and of significant commercial value as soon as possible," said a statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. According to the statement, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will visit India next week regarding the matter. Responding to a question about the ongoing trade talks, Trump described Modi as a "tough" negotiator. "We've been going through this process for some time and he's a very tough negotiator, one of the toughest," Trump said, pointing at the Indian leader. The US and India agreed on an interim trade deal in February this year which saw the US reduce tariffs to 18 percent. In 2025, Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on India as well as an additional 25 percent penalty for buying oil from Russia. -- BERNAMA

Significant progress made in US-India trade talks

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 18 -- University of Malaya (UM) has achieved the highest position in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings (WUR) when it rose two places from 58th to 56th in the world. This achievement strengthens UM's position as the best university in Malaysia and places it in the top 3.7 percent of the world's best universities. Among Malaysian institutions, UM ranks first for the indicators of Academic Reputation, Employer Reputation, Employability Outcomes and Sustainability. Globally, the university ranks 56th, 61st, 184th and 166th for all four indicators, respectively. In addition, the university also achieved strong global rankings in International Research Networks (125th) and International Students (153rd). UM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Ir Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman described the university's best achievement in the QS WUR as a historic moment that makes the institution proud and significant to the country. "It is the result of a university that chooses discipline over complacency, implementation over rhetoric, and shared determination over mere conventional wisdom," he said. He said the success reflected the strength of an institution that is mission- and values-based, supported by the hard work and commitment of its academics, researchers, students, staff and leadership team. "It proves that when strategic vision is accompanied by clarity, coherence, courage and sustained action, Universiti Malaya not only participates in the global higher education landscape, but also shapes it," he said. Expressing appreciation to all UM staff, Noor Azuan said the achievement was the result of clear planning, institutional alignment, teamwork and consistent focus on critical sectors that shape the future. "It is embodied in the quality of our research and new areas of focus, the aspirations of our students, the dedication of our academics, the professionalism of our staff, as well as the relentless efforts of every faculty, centre, department and team that has carried the UM name with pride and excellence. According to Noor Azuan, UM is driven by continuous efforts in advanced research, digital transformation, sustainability, talent excellence, innovation, industry relevance and global partnerships. He said as the world becomes increasingly shaped by uncertainty, disruption and intense competition, institutions need to become more agile, resilient and bold in implementing reforms. Noor Azuan said the ranking was important because it reflected quality, trust and impact, and the university would continue to strive to achieve higher positions. However, he stressed that UM's broader mission is to lead the nation, elevate human dignity and help shape the future of the world. "We will continue to lead the national responsibility in shaping Malaysia's growth, strengthening the nation's resilience and producing the knowledge, talent and solutions needed by people and the world," he said. UM's overall score for the 2027 edition is 81.2 covering QS's key performance dimensions, namely Research and Discovery, Marketability and Productivity, Sustainability, Learning Experience and Global Engagement. The university recorded a score of 92.8 for Academic Reputation and 93.1 for Employer Reputation in recognition of its academic excellence as well as graduates who are highly employable and industry-ready. Meanwhile, scores of 93.4 for International Research Networks, 93.1 for International Students and 83.7 for International Faculty reflect its growing international profile and extensive global collaborations. The QS World University Rankings 2027 assessed 8,808 institutions worldwide, including 32 from Malaysia. Only 1,504 institutions made it into the final rankings across 106 locations. University of Malaya celebrates its 121st anniversary in 2026. Throughout its proud history, the university has produced many leaders and scholars who have made an impact at the national and global levels. -- BERNAMA

UM rises to 56th place, its best position in QS World University Rankings