The Malaysian Government Linked Universities (GLU) have established themselves as the top private universities in the country proven through consistently being ranked and progressing steadily in the world and nation rankings and ratings namely Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE), Malaysia Research Assessment Rating System (MyRA) and Rating System for Malaysian Higher Education (SETARA).
GLU is an alliance of four private universities wholly owned by Malaysian Government Linked Companies (GLC) comprising Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Multimedia University (MMU) and Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).
Notably, for the QS Asia Rankings 2021, UTP is ranked 70th, while UNITEN is at 168th, MMU at 190th and UniKL is placed at 291-300th . The four universities have also been ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2022, with UTP being ranked at 414th, UNITEN is ranked at 751-800 band, UniKL at 800 – 1000 band, followed by MMU at 1001-1200 band.
In the THE Asia University Rankings 2021, UTP is placed at 111th, UNITEN at 201-250th, while both UniKL and MMU are ranked 401st. In the recently announced THE Young University Rankings 2021, which list the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger, all universities have also maintained their strong positions. UTP is ranked at 134th, UNITEN at the 251-300 band, MMU at 351-400 band and UniKL is positioned at the 401 band.
Furthermore, UTP, UNITEN, MMU and UniKL have recorded excellent performance in MyRA for research, development and commercialisation. UTP is the only private university in Malaysia with a six-star rating, UNITEN achieved five stars, while MMU and UniKL obtained four stars.
Meanwhile for SETARA, a rating instrument that assesses higher learning institutions in teaching and learning, UTP is awarded a six-star or outstanding status, while the other three universities achieve a five-star or excellent rating.
“We participate in various rankings and ratings initiatives as this is part and parcel of our efforts to cement GLU standings and branding as reputable academic partners for tertiary education and credible research partner for industry,” said UTP Vice Chancellor cum GLU Chairman Professor Ts. Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib.
“One of the objectives of the establishment of the GLU is to drive strategies for collaboration with regard to strengthening academic output, enhancing research, development and commercialisation efforts whilst creating sustainable institutions which would be able to contribute towards creation of knowledge, provide returns to industry and deliver impact to society. Together, the GLU’s have vast potential to grow and become Malaysia’s Leading Education Group and a Global Education Player,” he said.
Prof Mohamed Ibrahim’s remarks echo the statement of other GLU council members namely UNITEN Vice-Chancellor YBhg. Prof. Dato' Ir. Dr. Kamal Nasharuddin Mustapha, MMU President and Chief Executive Officer YBhg. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mazliham Mohd Su’ud and UniKL Acting President/CEO Prof. Dr. Shahrulniza Musa.
