UMPSA Strengthens Advanced TVET to Produce Globally Competitive Talent

KUANTAN: Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) continues to strengthen its position as a globally competitive technical university through academic development, the expansion of international dual-degree programmes and industry collaborations to produce competent graduates who meet labour market demands.

UMPSA Vice-Chancellor Prof Ts Dr Yatimah Alias said international recognition, academic excellence, high-impact research and strategic global networks are the university’s main driving forces in realising its aspiration to become a hub for advanced Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the region.

She said UMPSA continuously explores innovative educational approaches to ensure its graduates not only master technical knowledge but also possess professional competencies and the ability to adapt to changes in global industries.

“International collaborations, industry-based learning and strategic research are among UMPSA’s strengths in providing a comprehensive learning experience, thereby enhancing graduate employability,” she said.

Dual-Degree Programmes Strengthen Global Competitiveness

UMPSA currently offers 14 dual-degree programmes in collaboration with higher education institutions from China, Germany, South Korea and Kazakhstan, involving nearly 500 students, or approximately 4.5 per cent of its total undergraduate enrolment.

Among the university’s strategic partners are Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) and Technische Hochschule Mannheim (THM) in Germany; Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) and Tianjin University in China; Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) in Kazakhstan; and Hanyang University ERICA Campus in South Korea.

In strengthening its internationalisation agenda and expanding access to world-class education, UMPSA has achieved another milestone through the implementation of a dual-degree programme with Ningxia University, China, for the Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering Technology (Advanced Manufacturing) programme.

This year is particularly meaningful as we celebrate the first cohort of graduates from this dual-degree programme, demonstrating the success of the strategic collaboration between both universities in producing graduates with international exposure, technological competencies and the ability to compete in global industries.

More encouragingly, a total of 106 Ningxia University students are currently pursuing their studies through the UMPSA–Ningxia University Dual-Degree Programme.

This achievement reflects UMPSA’s commitment to continuously expanding its international academic networks, providing cross-border learning experiences and producing engineering and technology graduates who are globally competitive.

“With a graduate employment rate of 97.2 per cent in 2025, UMPSA continues to emphasise practical learning, professional competency development and industry collaboration to ensure graduates meet labour market requirements.

 

 

“UMPSA also received the TVET Industry Collaboration & Research Award at the Malaysia Education & TVET Awards 2026, reflecting the university’s commitment to strengthening industry relations and research,” she said.

Research and Innovation Drive Development

In the field of research, she said UMPSA is strengthening its innovation and technology transfer ecosystem through the establishment of several new Centres of Excellence (CoE) focusing on strategic fields and industry needs.

She said these fields include aerospace technology, climate-resilient infrastructure, as well as rare earth elements and critical minerals, which are strategically important to the country’s technological development.

“UMPSA is also conducting a study on the establishment of the Tun Abdul Razak Centre for Legacy and Strategic Foresight as a platform to connect the university’s academic and research expertise with the development legacy of Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, particularly in education, rural development, the economy, industrialisation and human capital development.

“Through the Advanced TVET Academy, UMPSA also leads the Asia-Pacific Advanced TVET Hub (APATH), a regional collaboration platform bringing together 20 institutions and organisations from nine countries to strengthen TVET development based on technology, innovation and industry requirements.

“This network creates opportunities for collaboration in offering micro-credentials, joint programmes, Global Classroom initiatives, international mobility, cross-border industrial training and joint research with industry,” she said.

Inclusive Ecosystem and Sustainability

UMPSA is also strengthening its inclusivity agenda through the establishment of the Centre for Inclusive Technology and Ecosystem (iNKLUSIF) to ensure technological advancements benefit all segments of society, including vulnerable communities and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

She said the initiatives introduced include the Inclusive Technology and Ecosystem Hub (HATi), as well as collaboration with the DAMAi Community-Based Rehabilitation Organisation (PPDK) to expand access to technology and inclusive learning environments.

She added that, in line with efforts to empower students, initiatives such as Job on Campus, Student Apprenticeship and the management of Siswa Mall are expected to further develop student talent.

“In terms of sustainability, UMPSA has also been recognised as the most sustainable university in Malaysia among universities under 50 years old, while ranking third among the country’s universities in the UI GreenMetric 2026 rankings.

“As the university approaches its Silver Jubilee celebration in 2027, its research excellence is further demonstrated by the inclusion of 27 UMPSA researchers among the World’s Top 2% Scientists 2026, based on the latest data released by Elsevier BV and Stanford University.

“This recognition motivates UMPSA to continue improving the quality of education, producing various beneficial innovations and developing graduates capable of contributing to the development of Pahang, Malaysia and the global community,” she said.

Therefore, UMPSA will continue integrating technical education, internationalisation, research, industry collaboration and inclusivity to produce quality graduates and support competitiveness at the global level.

Meanwhile, Dewan Tuanku Canselor, featuring a design concept inspired by the *wau pungguk* traditional kite and officially proclaimed by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, will celebrate the achievements of 3,345 graduates for the first time. The graduates are scheduled to receive their respective degrees at UMPSA’s 21st Convocation Ceremony, taking place from today (October 31) until November 3.

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