As Universiti Malaya (UM) commemorates 121 years of its institutional journey, YABhg. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has called on the University to continue upholding integrity, good governance and sound management while maintaining the standards of a leading university.
The message was shared during a courtesy visit by Universiti Malaya Vice-Chancellor, Dato’ Seri Professor Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, to the former Prime Minister, held in conjunction with the University’s 121st anniversary celebration, UM121.
The meeting carried particular significance given Tun Dr. Mahathir’s own connection to the University’s history. He studied medicine at the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore, one of the institutions that forms part of the historical roots of Universiti Malaya.
During the conversation, the Vice-Chancellor shared UM’s aspirations behind UM121, a celebration that looks beyond the University’s 121-year history and consider its future.
Tun Dr. Mahathir highlighted three important messages for the University: that UM must continue to be well managed; that integrity, good governance and sound management must remain at the heart of the institution; and that the University must continuously maintain and strengthen its standards, standing and profile as a leading university.
His reflections resonate strongly with UM’s aspirations as the University enters its next chapter.
Today, Universiti Malaya remains Malaysia’s highest-ranked university and is placed 56th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027, improving from 58th previously. While this progress reflects UM’s growing international standing, the University views rankings as a benchmark rather than an end in themselves.
UM’s aspiration to enter the world’s Top 50 universities is therefore being pursued as part of a broader institutional transformation which is strengthening research excellence and impact, attracting outstanding talent, expanding meaningful global partnerships, enhancing international academic reputation, and ensuring that the University’s knowledge and innovation continue to contribute to Malaysia and the wider world.
For Professor Azuan, Tun Dr. Mahathir’s message serves as an important reminder that institutional excellence must be continuously earned.
“As we celebrate 121 years, we are conscious that we are custodians of this institution for a period of time. Our responsibility is to ensure that the Universiti Malaya we pass on to the next generation is stronger, more respected internationally and, most importantly, continues to make a meaningful contribution to Malaysia,” Professor Azuan said.
The conversation also reflected on the values universities must continue to instil in future generations, beyond academic achievement, and the enduring responsibility of universities and their alumni to contribute their knowledge and expertise to society and nation-building.
The engagement forms part of UM121’s broader effort to reconnect the University’s past, present and future by preserving the memories, perspectives and wisdom of individuals who have been part of UM’s long institutional journey.
The official launch of UM121 will take place on 19 September 2026, officiated by DYMM Tuanku Canselor, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah. The occasion will include a special walk through Universiti Malaya by Tuanku Canselor, reflecting on the University’s heritage and its evolution over the decades.
A series of UM121 programmes and activities will continue through December 2026, bringing together the University community, alumni, partners and wider society to celebrate UM’s legacy while looking ahead to its future.
More than a commemoration of 121 years, UM121 represents a renewed commitment to ensuring that Universiti Malaya remains strong, respected and relevant in carrying the nation’s name to greater heights.
