Govt to continue upholding UiTM’s role in Bumiputera development, says Zambry

Shah Alam, August 29 - The Malaysian government is committed to maintaining Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) as a vital institution in the educational, professional, and socioeconomic advancement of the Bumiputera community, according to Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. The minister emphasized that the government will continue to uphold UiTM's founding mandate and identity, which it will preserve and enhance.

Zambry affirmed this commitment during his address at the Majlis Titah Diraja UiTM 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, where he also highlighted the importance of strengthening, empowering, and advancing UiTM.

Among the strategic initiatives to support UiTM's ongoing development is the formation of the UiTM Rationalisation Coordination Committee (URCC), tasked with evaluating various aspects of the institution, including academic, research, innovation, governance, talent development, industry linkages, internationalisation, and readiness for future technological and economic changes. The committee, led by Tan Sri Idris Jusoh, aims to ensure UiTM remains a "Premier University Driving Bumiputera Professionals."

Zambry's remarks came as UiTM marked its 70-year evolution, from 1956 to 2026, under the theme 'Legasi Ilmu, Aspirasi Unggul' (Legacy of Knowledge, Ambition of Excellence). The minister stressed that while celebrating these achievements, the focus should be on the direction UiTM will take in the next seven decades, moving beyond merely reflecting on past progress.