History of National University of Malaysia (UKM)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM as it is popularly known) was formally established
on 18 May 1970. UKM is the third university in Malaysia, but the first to use Bahasa
Melayu, the national language, as the medium of instruction. UKM aims to produce
graduates with skills and expertise in various fields for development of the Malaysian
society, and country.

The idea of establishing a national university was first mooted as far back as the early 1920s. The initial proposition, made by Abd. Kadir Adabi, sought for the establishment of a university that could meet the educational needs of the Malays and the development of their language
Through the 1930s, the idea grew, secretly cherished in the hearts of the Malays, especially during the time of colonial domination. It was actively pursued during the 40s and the 50s when the Federation of the Union of Malay Teachers of the Peninsula agitated for the placement of the Malay Language in the active life of the country, and enhance the status of Malay schools so that their students could further their studies at tertiary level.

During the formation of UKM about 33 years ago, there were 192 students, with 78
academic staff. At that time UKM had three faculties namely, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of
Science, and Faculty of Islamic Studies. UKM today has expanded to 12 faculties, namely – the faculties of Economics, Engineering, Education, Islamic Studies, Business Management, Medicine, Science andTechnology, Social Sciences and Humanities, Law, Information Sciences and
Technology, Allied Health Sciences, and Dentistry.

The university has three research institutes, the Institute of Malay World and Civilisation (ATMA), the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI) and the Institute for Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS). Apart from the three research institutes UKM has two research excellence centres, the Centre for Gene Analysis and Technology (CGAT), and
Centre for Advanced Engineering. In addition, UKM has founded a private limited
holding company known as UKM Holdings, which handles the commercial activities of
UKM.

The University is supported by several central divisions, which manages and correlates
all academic activities such as - the centres for Public and International Relations
(PUSPA), General Studies, Research Management, Publication and Education
Technology, Academic Advancement, Students Development, and Co-curriculum. The
Computer Centre maintains the University’s ICT systems. Postgraduate degrees are
coordinated by the Centre for Graduate Studies and include advanced diplomas,
specialist degrees, masters and PhDs, which are offered in various fields. The Centre for Educational Extension is responsible for running UKM’s academic programmes for executives in service.

Source:
1. Abdul Samad Hadi, Zalizan Mohd Jelas, Mazlin B. Mokhtar & Yang Farina. 2002. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, The national university with an international reach: Opportunities and Challenges in the 21st Century. Paper presented at the 16th Australian International Education Conference 30 September – 5 October 2002.
2. UKM's portal http://www.ukm.my/portal/home.html

MOHD HIZRI BIN MD ARIS A130902