A year into its operations in Bangi, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), then known as the Institute of Technology PETRONAS (ITP), received word that a site had been identified for its permanent campus. The following months saw a flurry of activity that culminated in ITP moving to Tronoh, Perak, on 1 July 1996.

Six months later, the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act was passed and PETRONAS received a formal invitation to start the university. But there were still many unanswered questions, such as the size of the university, its facilities and the programmes it would offer.

The university’s founders envisioned UTP as a leader in technology education and a centre for creativity and innovation. They set out ambitious goals, namely to produce well-rounded graduates with leadership qualities, provide superior learning experience in order to equip graduates with broad technology-related professional competencies as well as contribute to the economic and social advancement of the country. Other priorities include supporting PETRONAS’ reputation as a global multinational of choice, contribute to the research and development of key technologies to provide PETRONAS with a competitive edge, provide rewarding careers for educators and researchers alike, and contribute to the emergence of a new generation of academic staff who see their primary roles as facilitators of learning rather than advocates of teaching.

It was, undoubtedly, a tall order for the pioneer team. But they rose to the challenge, and the success the university has achieved today is in no small measure the result of their foresight, hard work and commitment.