National University of Malaysia

The National University of Malaysia, also known as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), is a prominent public research university established on May 18, 1970 [1, 3]. Located in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, UKM is recognized as one of Malaysia's leading institutions of higher education. Its mission is to be at the forefront of societal advancement, fostering a learned, dynamic, and ethical community [2].

UKM attracts a diverse student body, including international students, by offering a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its faculties and institutes. The university continually assesses and updates its programs to align with the latest technological advancements and industry demands, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the job market [2].

As a public university, UKM's education is subsidized by the government. It has earned significant accolades, including being certified as one of Malaysia's five research universities in 2006 for its high-quality research output and winning the Prime Minister's Quality Award in the same year [2].

The inception of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) on May 18, 1970, marked a significant milestone, driven by nationalistic aspirations to elevate the Malay language as a language of knowledge [2, 3]. Initially, the university opened its doors to 192 undergraduate students at a temporary campus in Jalan Pantai Baru, Kuala Lumpur, housing three foundational faculties: Science, Arts, and Islamic Studies [3].

Following its establishment, the decision was made on January 18, 1972, to develop a permanent main campus in Bangi, near Kajang. UKM officially relocated to its current 1,096-hectare premises in Bangi in October 1977. Over the years, UKM expanded its footprint by establishing two health campuses in Kuala Lumpur (1974) and Cheras (1997), the latter housing the UKM Medical Centre [3].

Furthering its commitment to research and national development, UKM was designated a Malaysian Research University in October 2006. In 2023, the university expanded its global presence by opening its first overseas branch campus in Lusail City, Qatar, in collaboration with The Regional Group of Qatar, officially inaugurated on May 14, 2024 [3].

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia comprises 12 faculties, 2 schools, and 12 research institutes, with the majority located at its main campus in Bangi [3]. The diverse range of faculties reflects UKM's commitment to comprehensive education and research across various disciplines, catering to both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Key faculties include the Faculty of Economics and Management, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science and Technology, and Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. These faculties offer a broad spectrum of programs, contributing to the academic depth of the university [3].

Additionally, UKM boasts specialized faculties such as the Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Faculty of Medicine, which are primarily located at its Kuala Lumpur and Cheras health campuses. These health-focused faculties are complemented by research institutes like the UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, enhancing the university's capacity for medical innovation and research [3].