University of Malaya (UM)

Background

University of Malaya, or UM, Malaysia's oldest university, is situated on a 750 acre (309 hectare) campus in the southwest of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. It was established in April 1949 in Singapore with the merger of the King Edward VII College of Medicine (founded in 1905) and Raffles College (founded in 1928).
The University of Malaya derives its name from the term 'Malaya' as the country was then known. The Carr-Saunders Commission, which recommended the setting up of the university, noted in its Report in 1948: "The University of Malaya would provide for the first time a common centre where varieties of race, religion and economic interest could mingle in joint endeavour ... For a University of Malaya must inevitably realise that it is a university for Malaya."
The growth of the University was very rapid during the first decade of its establishment and this resulted in the setting up of two autonomous Divisions in 1959, one located in Singapore and the other in Kuala Lumpur. In 1960, the government of the two territories indicated their desire to change the status of the Divisions into that of a national university. Legislation was passed in 1961 and the University of Malaya was established on 1st January 1962.
On June 16th 1962, University of Malaya celebrated the installation of its first Chancellor, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, who was also the country's first prime minister. The first Vice-Chancellor was Professor Oppenheim, a world-renowned Mathematician.
Currently, His Royal Highness The Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan is the Chancellor of the University of Malaya.
Ghauth Jasmon was appointed as the tenth Vice-Chancellor of University of Malaya on 8th November 2008.

Vision

To be an internationally renowned institution of higher learning in research, innovation, publication and teaching.

Mission

To advance knowledge and learning through quality research and education for the nation and for humanity.

Quality Policy of the University of Malaya

The University of Malaya intends to undertake teaching and learning, conduct research and services of quality, generate and advance knowledge through continuous improvement efforts for the benefit of all customers, in particular the students of the University of Malaya.

Goal

Graduates of the University of Malaya will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in their field of study, appropriate research and professional practices, and the processes of critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem solving.
• Use effective methods including contemporary technology to manage information, to achieve diverse professional goals aligned with professional standards and make decisions based on appropriate data and information.
• Engage in continuous self-improvement and professional growth, support the professional development of others, and display positive leadership and professional behaviors and disposition for effective practice.
• Communicate effectively with other professionals, and the community, and project a coherent vision of social responsibilities.
• Appreciate and continue to be guided by the university's core values of integrity, respect, academic freedom, open-mindedness, accountability, professionalism, meritocracy, teamwork, creativity and social responsibility.