Page 5 - index

1. INTRODUCTION
University of Malaya
History of UM
University of Malaya, or UM, Malaysia's oldest university, is situated on a 900
acre campus in the southwest of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. It was
established in April 1949 in Singapore with the merger of the King Edward VII
College of Medicine (founded in 1905) and Raffles College (founded in 1928).
The University of Malaya derives its name from the term 'Malaya' as the country
was known as then. The Carr-Saunders Commission, which recommended the
setting up of the university, noted in its Report in 1948:
"The University of Malaya would provide for the first time a common
centre where varieties of race, religion and economic interest could
mingle in joint endeavour ... For a University of Malaya must inevitably
realise that it is a university for Malaya."
The growth of the University was very rapid during the first decade of its
establishment and this resulted in the setting up of two autonomous Divisions in
1959, one located in Singapore and the other in Kuala Lumpur. In 1960, the
government of the two territories indicated their desire to change the status of the
Divisions into that of a national university. Legislation was passed in 1961 and
the University of Malaya was established on 1st January 1962.
On June 16th 1962, University of Malaya celebrated the installation of its first
Chancellor, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, who was also the country's first
prime minister. The first Vice-Chancellor was Professor Oppenheim, a world-
renowned Mathematician.
Currently, His Royal Highness The Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan is the
Chancellor of the University of Malaya.
The current Vice-Chancellor Tan Sri Dr. Ghauth Jasmon was appointed as the
tenth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malaya on the 8th of November 2008.
Mission
To advance knowledge and learning through quality research and education for
the nation and for humanity.
Vision
To be an internationally renowned institution of higher learning in research,
innovation, publication and teaching.
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Core Values
The core values of the University of Malaya are:
 Integrity
 Professionalism
 Respect
 Meritocracy
 Academic Freedom
 Teamwork
 Open-mindedness
 Creativity
 Accountability
 Social Responsibility
Educational Goals
Graduates of the University of Malaya will be able to-
(a) demonstrate knowledge and skills in their field of study, appropriate research
and professional practices, and the processes of critical thinking and problem
solving;
(b) use effective methods including contemporary technology to manage
information, to achieve diverse professional goals aligned with professional
standards and make decisions based on appropriate data and information;
(c) engage in continuous self-improvement and professional growth, support the
professional development of others, and display positive leadership and
professional behaviours and disposition for effective practice;
(d) communicate effectively with other professionals, and the community, and
project a coherent vision of social responsibilities; and
(e) appreciate and continue to be guided by the University’s core values of
integrity, respect, academic freedom, open-mindedness, accountability,
professionalism, meritocracy, teamwork, creativity and social responsibility.
Institute of Graduate Studies (IGS)
Overview
The Institute of Graduate Studies (IGS) or in Malay, Institut Pengajian Siswazah is
the postgraduate centre for UM. Since its inception in 1979, the main function of
IGS is to promote excellent multidisciplinary research and postgraduate training
in order to meet the growing demands and development of the modern era. The
number of postgraduate students has increased significantly over the years. There
are currently over 11,000 students with about 3,500 international students from 80
countries.
IGS consists of the Admissions, Examination, Finance & Scholarship Sections,
Thesis Unit and Student Development & Writing Unit. With cooperation from
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