Malaysian higher education is continuously rising as it was only three weeks ago that University of Malaya (UM) climbed 13 spots to make it to 46th place in this year’s Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings, and last year five universities ranked top 50 in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings 2018.
Now, in the eighth edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject released yesterday, 10 Malaysian university departments were ranked amongst the top 50 in the world for their discipline.
The ranking by global higher education analysts, reveal which universities are the best in the world across 48 subjects in five subject areas.
QS notes that, “The subject rankings are an invaluable resource when choosing which universities to apply to, and registered users of the site can shortlist and compare universities which interest them.”
Scores were based on survey responses from more than 170,000 academics and 158,000 employers worldwide. And for Malaysian universities, 162 departments at 17 universities were ranked.
Out of the 10 universities, seven departments are from UM – recording another six of its academic disciplines ranked within the Top 50 this year.
UM vice-chancellor Datuk Abdul Rahim Hashim was reported saying in New Straits Times, “The rankings result reflects the international recognition of the quality of UM’s faculty and graduates,” while attributing UM’s success to its strategic plan.
UM’s highest ranking was 24th for Library and Information Studies, which is a new subject ranking added to the portfolio this year.
Among other subjects include Electrical & Electronic Engineering (30th), Development Studies (30th), Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering (41st), Chemical Engineering (42nd), Civil & Structural Engineering (46th), and Mineral & Mining (47th).
While Taylor’s University was Malaysia’s highest ranked department, at 21 (an improvement from 29th place last year), for Hospitality and Leisure Management.
“Last year, we made history by becoming the first Malaysian private university to enter the top 50 of the QS World University Ranking by Subject when we made it to top 30 in the world,” said Taylor’s University Faculty of Hospitality, Food and Leisure Management executive dean Dr Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan.
“This outstanding global achievement is also partly contributed by our close partnership with University of Toulouse Jean Jaures, the second oldest and largest public university in France that has spanned over 32 years and the work we do together under the flagship of Taylor’s-Toulouse University Centre (TTUC).”
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) meanwhile was ranked 31st for Theology, Divinity, and Religious Studies and Universiti Sains Malaysia took the 43rd spot globally for Mineral and Mining Engineering.
In an interview with Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh earlier on QS WOW News, the minister highlighted that, “The introduction of world university rankings has had a significant impact on Malaysia’s higher education.”
“It was a catalyst of sorts for us to take a step back, reflect on what we were doing, how we were spending money, what type of research we were doing, what type of training we were giving our people, and most importantly, how we were serving our students.
“After 12 years, the impact has been largely positive. University rankings have also had a significant impact on our internationalisation efforts – both in terms of staff and student recruitment,” he explained, while attributing the improvement to the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015– 2025 (Higher Education).
Malaysia’s achievement was also lauded by Higher Education Ministry Secretary-General Tan Sri Dr Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur who tweeted the good news saying, “Higher Education Institutions of Malaysia are soaring upwards!”
