Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) to continue playing its role in nurturing the next generation of professionals who are not only academically accomplished, but also grounded in strong values and equipped with high-level skills aligned with industry needs. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, highlighted this aspiration during UPTM's third convocation ceremony, emphasizing the importance of aligning education with industry requirements.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stated that UPTM's philosophy of Applied Professional Education aims to develop knowledgeable, principled, and committed individuals who can contribute to national development. He noted that professional certification for nearly 70 percent of UPTM's programs, alongside its Platinum status with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), exemplifies the university's dedication to excellence and its capability to compete on an international scale.
Ahmad Zahid pointed out the increase in UPTM's graduate employability rate to 93.4 percent from 91.5 percent the previous year, attributing this success to the university's applied and industry-ready approach. He expressed his ambition to see this figure rise to 95 percent next year through more structured and strategically grounded programs. During the ceremony, 2,075 graduates received their degrees, with 120 special awards also presented. The event was attended by Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wadji Dusuki.
The launch of the Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence with Honours was cited by Ahmad Zahid as an example of UPTM's alignment with the national digitalisation agenda. He encouraged UPTM to strengthen international collaborations, work closely with industry players, and increase its student intake, which currently stands at around 8,000. Ahmad Zahid expressed his vision for UPTM to become MARA's flagship university, contributing to Malaysia's global reputation as a producer of professionals with character and integrity.
Additionally, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the Rural and Regional Development Ministry's (KKDW) commitment to comprehensive human capital development in rural areas through MARA, with UPTM being pivotal in creating greater advancement opportunities. He urged UPTM to collaborate with MARA and other KKDW agencies like the Community Development Department (KEMAS) and the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) to ensure inclusive human capital development across communities.