UTM Drives Structural Change Through ASCEND 2030 Strategic Plan
JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) today unveiled the UTM ASCEND 2030 Strategic Plan, setting a new five-year direction for the university that will involve structural changes across the institution.
UTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim said the plan aligns with the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035, recently launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
He said the plan seeks to position UTM among the world’s top 100 universities by 2030, among other things.
“The changes we are making today are not merely cosmetic or rhetorical. They are structural, shaping how the university thinks, operates and makes decisions to ensure UTM stays relevant, competitive and impactful for humanity,” he said at a media conference after the Vice-Chancellor’s 2026 New Year Address here today.
He said UTM ASCEND 2030 is the university’s only strategic plan, with the integrated execution of the ASCEND Action Plan by all Centres of Responsibility.
“Structural change is no longer optional. It is a strategic necessity to ensure UTM excels not just in performance but also in purpose, values and impact on society.
UTM ASCEND 2030 is anchored on four pillars of Excellence: Leap in Excellence, Global Talent, Sustainability and Continuity, and Humanity and Wellbeing.
The plan also outlines 10 Desired States, covering global standing, graduate marketability, financial sustainability, carbon footprint reduction and community empowerment based on research and development.
Student welfare and gender equality are further strengthened through the Menu Rahmah initiative, AI scholarships, endowment scholarships and an Inclusive Village for Persons with Disabilities, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On governance, Mohd Shafry said UTM aims to have 40 per cent of key university positions held by women, in line with the national gender equality agenda.
He said this year marks a key turning point for the university, emphasising systemic, value-driven transformation.
He added that the university’s core values will be framed under ISES (Integrity, Synergy, Excellence, Sustainability) to ensure all decisions are guided by fairness and wisdom.
He said, under enVision UTM 2025, the university reached key milestones, including ranking 153rd in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and a spot in the global top 10 per cent of universities.
The university generated RM357 million in revenue, with 34 per cent of graduates earning over RM4,000 a month.
“UTM has also produced alumni listed in Forbes Asia 30 Under 30, further cementing the university’s role in shaping technocrats and global leaders,” he said.
Mohd Shafry also urged UTM staff, students, and alumni to unite to drive the success of the strategic plan.
Earlier, the address also announced the UTM Royal Gala Dinner 2026, aiming to raise funds to support students from low-income (B40) and special-needs families.
--BERNAMA
