'UM must continue building on legacy'

Universiti Malaya (UM) must continue building on its storied legacy, according to alumni and current students. The institution has evolved significantly since the days of Maheran Zainal Abidin, who graduated from the Faculty of Economics and Administration in 1999. Maheran, now Chief of Staff, returned to UM's Office of the Vice-Chancellor, driven by her passion for education and desire to give back to her alma mater.

She expressed pride in UM's achievements, including its ranking among the top 56 universities worldwide, while acknowledging there is still room for growth.

UM must expand its national impact and adapt to the evolving needs of students, according to Maheran. She emphasized the importance of visibility, but stressed that it should yield tangible benefits for the country. Maheran highlighted the strong support network provided by UM's estimated 300,000 alumni, facilitated by the Alumni Centre. With this backing, UM can become even stronger.

Current students, like Nurin Alysya Nazrul Hizam, 21, whose connection to UM began in childhood, shared their positive experiences. She was encouraged by her mother to pursue her studies at UM, and her time there included involvement in student leadership. Nurin hopes UM remains at the top and continues to produce leaders who can make their mark.

First-year Science Foundation student Isaac Chang, 18, chose UM for its diverse community, stating that interacting with people from various backgrounds has enriched his university experience. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to study at UM and his intention to complete his degree there. The university's 121st anniversary presented an opportunity to attract students seeking quality education and holistic skills development.