We are in the era where technological disruption is building industries at an unprecedented pace, universities are expected to do far more than just produce graduates. One must cultivate innovators, leaders and entrepreneurs capable of driving the country’s future. Few institutions implify this mission as strongly as Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), one of Malaysia’s premier technical universities.
Education+TVET Asia recently had the chance to sit down with Professor Ts. Dr. Mas Fawzi bin Mohd Ali, Vice Chancellor of UTHM, for an exclusive conversation on the university’s aspirations, achievements and its growing role in advancing Malaysia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda. Throughout the discussion, one message remained unmistakably clear: UTHM is not merely preparing students for employment, indeed it is shaping the future of industry, innovation and sustainable development.
The story of UTHM is one of continuous development motivated by national needs. Its roots are still deeply ingrained in teaching people who educate others, even though it now stands as a comprehensive technological university with global aspirations.
“From day one, our DNA has been built on practical, hands-on technical skills,” he says. “We started with the purpose of teaching those who teach others, and that passion for transferring real-world, applicable knowledge is still exactly what drives us today.” That philosophy continues to underpin every aspect of the university’s development today.
Instead of focusing only on academic credentials, UTHM has embraced a comprehensive approach that aims to produce graduates who can provide values to society. “I wish to see UTHM recognised as a Global Technopreneur University 2030,” Prof. Mas Fawzi remarks.
“But beyond titles, what truly drives us is our students and our community. We do not want to just produce graduates who hold a degree; we want to nurture holistic individuals who possess both high-level technical expertise and a sharp entrepreneurial mindset.”
One of UTHM’s defining strengths lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate academic excellence with practical industry experience. “For us, finding this balance is not a challenge but it is our philosophy,” Prof. Mas Fawzi explains. “We believe that theory without practice is hollow, and practice without theory is blind.”
Instead of relying solely on classroom teaching, UTHM adopts an intensive Work-Based Learning (WBL) approach, with many technology programmes consisting of as much as 60 to 70 per cent practical learning.
Students gain experience through Teaching Factories, compulsory industrial placements and direct engagement with industry leaders serving as co-lecturers.
“We don’t just teach from textbooks,” he shares. “We bring the industry into our classrooms, and we take our classrooms into the industry.” This industry-first philosophy ensures graduates leave campus equipped not only with theoretical knowledge but also with real workplace competencies.
To remain ahead of technological change, the university has embedded Artificial Intelligence, Big Data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT) across engineering and technology programmes while expanding research into smart manufacturing, green technology, digital supply chains and automated transportation systems.
Equally significant is UTHM’s transformation into what the Vice Chancellor describes as a “living lab“.
“We are transforming UTHM into a living lab for digital transformation, ensuring our students live and breathe the tech environment long before they enter the workforce.”
Rather than simply teaching emerging technologies, UTHM allows students to experience them daily throughout campus life. Prof. Mas Fawzi believes the university’s growing reputation is reflected not only in rankings but in tangible outcomes.
“There are so many milestones that prove UTHM is no longer just catching up but leading the way,” he says.
Among the achievements he highlighted was the university’s impressive Graduate Employability rate of 97.5 per cent, supported by its prestigious 6-Star Employer Choice Award from Talentbank.
He also pointed to the international recognition received by UTHM researchers, with three academics listed among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists.
Meanwhile, UTHM continues to pioneer sustainability through becoming Malaysia’s first university to fully integrate a 5MW/10MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), strengthening its position as a living laboratory for green engineering.
“Research at UTHM does not merely produce publications,” he emphasises. “It is translated into commercialised innovations, recognised internationally, and produces graduates who are the preferred choice of the industry.”
In today’s unpredictable employment landscape, adaptability has become just as important as technical expertise. “The job market changes almost daily, but human adaptability is timeless,” Prof. Mas Fawzi observes.
To prepare graduates for long-term success, UTHM works closely with Industry Advisory Panels to ensure curricula remain relevant while encouraging students to obtain internationally recognised professional certifications alongside their academic degrees.
“We don’t just graduate students with a degree, we ensure they gain global professional certifications,” he shares.
However, technical capability alone is not enough. “A machine can replace technical repetition, but it cannot replace human leadership and creativity.”
Consequently, UTHM places equal emphasis on communication, resilience, emotional intelligence and critical thinking. As one of the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN) institutions, UTHM occupies a strategic position in strengthening Malaysia’s TVET ecosystem.
According to Prof. Mas Fawzi, perceptions surrounding TVET have evolved dramatically.
“TVET is no longer just a second-choice pathway; it is the backbone of Malaysia’s economic future.” He describes UTHM’s contribution as twofold: providing pathways for diploma holders to pursue advanced degrees while simultaneously producing highly qualified TVET educators through its Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education.
At its roots, UTHM continues to train teachers for vocational colleges and skills institutions across Malaysia. Rapid technological advancement has also prompted UTHM to rethink the traditional university model.
“The biggest challenge is agility versus traditionalism,” Prof. Mas Fawzi notes. “If universities take years to update a syllabus, our graduates will be obsolete by the time they step on stage for convocation.”
To remain responsive, UTHM has introduced flexible learning pathways, micro-credentials and lifelong learning opportunities while repositioning lecturers as mentors and trainers rather than mere transmitters of knowledge.
Perhaps the most exciting glimpse into UTHM’s future lies in its ambitious aviation ecosystem. “In the next five years, I envision UTHM expanding as an aerospace technopark,” Prof. Mas Fawzi says.
One of its flagship projects is the construction of an operational airport in Tanjung Laboh, targeted to commence operations in 2027.
“We are the first university in Asia that has this airport,” he reveals. The facility will support programmes in pilot licensing, aircraft manufacturing and aircraft maintenance, allowing students to undertake flight training and practical learning within UTHM’s own operational environment.
Students will train using the university’s airport infrastructure alongside its own air traffic controllers, creating an integrated aviation education ecosystem unlike any other in the region.
As the conversation draws to a close, Prof. Mas Fawzi has this heartfelt advice to offer to aspiring academic leaders: “Lead to serve, not to be seen,” he says. “Academic leadership is not about the title, the office, or the authority; it is about heavy responsibility and empowering the people around you.”
He encourages future leaders to remain grounded, stay connected to research and industry, and never lose empathy for students.
Those words perhaps best describe UTHM’s own philosophy. It continues to show that technical education is more than just turning out competent graduates through its dedication to industrial cooperation, technological innovation, sustainable development and the growth of Malaysia’s TVET ecosystem. UTHM aims to develop upcoming human-centric technologists, innovators and leaders who will make significant contributions to society and confidently lead Malaysia into the next phase of economic and technical advancement.