KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 2026 — Universiti Malaya (UM) today marked its 121st anniversary with a renewed pledge to stay relevant to the nation by strengthening academics, research and the integration of artificial intelligence.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the milestone was not only about the age of the country’s oldest university, but about a greater duty to help steer Malaysia towards a better future.
“Today is a deeply meaningful moment for the entire UM community and its alumni, not just alumni, but all Malaysians,” he told reporters after the launch of the 121st anniversary celebration.
“These 121 years carry a greater responsibility to ensure UM remains relevant to the nation, to advise the country so that it becomes better, and ultimately to deliver the most important and tangible impact on Malaysian society.”
Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, in his capacity as UM Chancellor, graced the event and officiated the ceremony. Also present were Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
On curriculum modernisation, Noor Azuan said UM has continued to keep pace with global developments, including AI-based learning and management systems.
“We are heavily oriented towards AI, whether through our programmes or systems, which are constantly moving in tandem with AI developments,” he said.
He also described international rankings as a benchmark of how the world views the quality of UM’s education and research.
“So if we look at UM’s current ranking, it stands at 56 (QS World University Ranking), and we are working to ensure that this ranking continues to climb to even greater heights in the years ahead,” he said.
Noor Azuan said UM would remain a key platform for producing high-quality talent and leaders, noting that six of Malaysia’s 10 prime ministers were UM graduates.
“UM does not belong just to those on campus. It belongs to all Malaysians,” he said.
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