Sultan Idris Education University

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) is a public university located in Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia, officially established on May 1, 1997 [15]. It operates across two main campuses, the Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Campus and the Sultan Azlan Shah Campus, both situated in and around Tanjong Malim [15]. These campuses combine historical significance with modern educational facilities, reflecting the university's leadership in the field of education.

UPSI is dedicated to advancing education through comprehensive teaching, rigorous research, impactful publications, expert consultancy, and extensive community service [15]. The university is committed to fostering excellence in human capital development at both national and international levels, aligning its efforts with a mission to lead global changes in educational practices [15]. This focus underscores its pivotal role in Malaysia's academic landscape.

As a leading institution for teacher training and education, UPSI offers a broad spectrum of academic programs, including diploma, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, specializing in various educational fields [4, 15]. The university’s dedication to producing highly competent educators and contributing to the broader knowledge economy aligns with its vision to be a prestigious university that exemplifies exceptional leadership in education [4, 15].

Sultan Idris Education University traces its origins to November 29, 1922, with the inauguration of the Sultan Idris Training College (SITC) by Sir W. George Maxwell, then Chief Secretary of the Federated Malay States [4, 15]. The college was initially conceived to centralize and enhance teacher training for Malay educators, a proposal significantly influenced by Richard Olaf Winstedt to meet the increasing demand for skilled teachers in the Malay Peninsula [4]. SITC rapidly evolved into a crucial hub for intellectual and educational advancement, playing a significant role in the preservation of Malay culture during the colonial era [4].

Following Malaysia's independence, the institution underwent significant transformations. In 1957, SITC was renamed Maktab Perguruan Sultan Idris (MPSI) in adherence to the Razak Report, marking a pivotal shift in administrative leadership from European to Malay intellectuals [4, 15]. During this period, MPSI continued its dedicated focus on teacher training and emerged as a vital platform for Malay writers and nationalists, enriching the Malay language and fostering national consciousness through creative and academic pursuits [4, 15].

On February 21, 1987, MPSI was further upgraded to Institut Perguruan Sultan Idris (IPSI), expanding its academic offerings to include specialized teacher certification programs and forging collaborations with other Malaysian universities [4, 15]. This progression culminated on May 1, 1997, when IPSI officially attained full university status, becoming Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). This milestone solidified its standing as a premier higher education institution, uniquely specializing in teacher training and a wide array of education programs across all degree levels [4, 15].

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) comprises ten faculties that offer a diverse range of academic disciplines, all underpinned by a strong commitment to education. These include the Faculty of Languages & Communications, which provides expertise in linguistic studies and effective communication, and the Faculty of Human Development, focused on fostering holistic human potential [6, 15]. These faculties are fundamental to UPSI's mission of nurturing future educators and professionals across various sectors.

The university's academic structure also encompasses the Faculty of Sciences & Mathematics, delivering comprehensive programs in natural sciences and mathematical fields, and the Faculty of Management & Economics, which offers specialized education in business administration, finance, and economic principles [6, 15]. Additionally, the Faculty of Human Sciences broadens the academic scope to include various social and behavioral studies, while the Faculty of Art, Sustainability & Creative Industry is dedicated to cultivating creativity and innovation in diverse artistic and design disciplines [6, 15].

Further enhancing its comprehensive educational offerings, UPSI features the Faculty of Music & Performing Arts, designed to develop talent in musical and theatrical arts, and the Faculty of Sports Sciences & Coaching, committed to advancements in sports and physical education [6, 15]. The Faculty of Technical & Vocational equips students with practical and industry-relevant skills, while the Faculty of Computing & Meta-Technology addresses the dynamic landscape of information technology and digital innovations, ensuring a well-rounded and future-oriented curriculum [6, 15].