KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya’s (UM) new vice-chancellor has set a top 200 target in the Times Higher Education-QS (THE-QS) World University Rankings in two years’ time and top 100 in five years.
Prof Datuk Dr Ghauth Jasmon (pic) said he was confident that it was achievable.
“This year’s THE-QS rankings show that we are still the best in Malaysia while UM was the only public university to receive five stars in the Rating System for the Malaysian Higher Education Institutions (Setara),” he said in an interview at his office.
UM rose in the THE-QS World University Ranking, from 246 in 2007 to 230 this year.
“I have come here to ensure we remain the best and keep on rising in the rankings, but my biggest challenge now is to transform the university and take it to a higher level.”
Prof Ghauth, who was formerly Multimedia University (MMU) president, was appointed UM vice-chancellor on Nov 8, replacing Datuk Rafiah Salim whose contract had expired.
His plan is to ensure that UM has quality research, publications and staff. Bringing in first-class graduates is also top priority.
Prof Ghauth said the university was setting up a unit to meet with first-class honours degree graduates from all public and private universities to encourage them to lecture at UM.
Stressing entrepreneurship was a vital element, Prof Ghauth said he was creating a scheme for staff and students to market their business ideas.
At MMU, he said staff and students were allowed to own businesses and also received funding.
“We are also arranging a roadshow to top schools and matriculation centres where I will speak to prospective students about studying at UM. The personal touch is very important.
“I want to meet them to explain why an academic career can be rewarding and fulfilling,” he said, adding that he had done this at MMU.
Prof Ghauth, 52, said he did not apply for the job of the UM vice-chancellor, adding: “I got a call from the Higher Education Ministry to attend an interview and was asked what I would do if I was given the job. It was too big an offer to refuse.”
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be asked to come back as I had gone to the private sector.”Prof Ghauth had previously served at UM for 14 years. His last appointment was as deputy vice-chancellor (Development) in August 1995. Since starting his duties on Nov 11, he has been busy meeting the deans and directors.
(taken from Star Online, 2nd December 2008)
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