UniMAP Targets 80 Percent of Lecturers to Hold PhDs, Strengthen ASEAN Academic Network
DA NANG: Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) is targeting 80 percent of its academic staff to hold Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) qualifications or equivalent in order to strengthen the university’s academic quality and international standing, particularly within the ASEAN region.
The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, said that based on the 2024 Quality Objective Achievement, 75.6 percent of UniMAP lecturers hold PhDs or equivalent, surpassing the target of 75 percent set.
His Royal Highness, who is the Chancellor of UniMAP, said that improving the quality of academic staff is among the key aspects continuously given attention to ensure the strength of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)-oriented education, supported by highly skilled teaching staff.
“UniMAP not only emphasises the number of academic staff but also ensures that the capacity of its teaching staff is at a level capable of supporting students’ learning experiences,” His Royal Highness said during a visit to Duy Tan University (DTU) here as part of UniMAP’s International Leadership Mobility (ILM) programme.
Also in attendance were the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Dr Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, who is UniMAP’s 1st Pro Chancellor, and their daughter Sharifah Khatreena Nuraniah Jamalullail, who is UniMAP’s 2nd Pro Chancellor, as well as Sharifah Farah Adriana Jamalullail.
The ILM UniMAP delegation, led by Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra, was received by DTU Vice Provost Assoc Prof Dr Nguyen Gia Nhu, Deputy Dean of the School of Engineering Technology Assoc Prof Dr Vu Duong, and Head of Cooperation and Start-up Division Dr Nguyen Duc Hien.
Additionally, His Royal Highness said UniMAP’s strength is also reflected in student academic achievements, with 60.2 percent of engineering students, 77.3 percent of engineering technology students, and 96.5 percent of technology students achieving a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 and above in 2024.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra said similar achievements were recorded for Diploma in Engineering students, with 67 percent, and 95 percent of Communication and Business students achieving a CGPA of 3.00 and above.
“These figures provide a picture that UniMAP’s strength lies not only in its TVET orientation and graduate employability, but is also supported by the quality of its academic staff and student achievements,” His Royal Highness said.
Meanwhile, UniMAP Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Professor Dr Shahriman Abu Bakar said UniMAP intends to expand its academic and research network in the ASEAN region through exploring collaborative opportunities with DTU.
He said UniMAP encourages regional research collaboration through ASEAN grants, the organisation of colloquiums, and exchanges of academic staff and students, in line with the need to strengthen higher education networks among ASEAN countries.
“UniMAP successfully secured RM28 million in research grants last year through collaborations with various agencies, industries and foreign universities.
“Currently, opportunities for ASEAN regional grants are also available, and research collaboration is no longer limited to within Malaysia; it is highly encouraged to involve strategic partners in this region,” he said.
In this regard, he said UniMAP welcomes DTU to jointly explore opportunities to apply for research grants and implement projects that benefit communities and industries in both countries, particularly in Perlis and Da Nang.
He said potential areas for exploration include artificial intelligence (AI) and engineering, education, communications and sustainability.
He said this approach can not only expand UniMAP’s international network but also open avenues for researchers and students to be involved in solving real issues related to industrial and community needs in the ASEAN region.
BERNAMA