KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) has voiced full support for Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir’s recent statement refuting claims that local universities are offering academic programmes that do not align with market demands and national development plans.
In an official statement, UNIMAS rejected the use of terms like “discounted courses” and “unpopular programmes” by certain parties.
It said such labels misrepresent the actual process of academic programme offerings at public universities, and risk creating confusion and negative perceptions about the quality of higher education in Malaysia.
“None of UNIMAS’ academic programmes are ‘discounted’ or lacking in academic or market value,” the university said.
It stressed that all 47 of its undergraduate programmes undergo continuous review and evaluation to maintain quality and ensure graduate employability.
While acknowledging that some students may be placed in programmes that were not their top choices, UNIMAS emphasised that the quality of every programme remains consistently high and meets the evolving needs of both the country and the job market.
This commitment is reflected in UNIMAS’ 2024 performance, where it achieved a 91.5 per cent Graduate Employability Rate and a 91.6 per cent Graduate Marketability Rate.
As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure undergraduate programmes meet required standards, UNIMAS has discontinued two academic programmes deemed no longer relevant to current needs.
Three more are under review for possible phase-out.
Meanwhile, 12 programmes are currently undergoing comprehensive review, and four new programmes have been identified for future offering, tailored to support national development and labour market demands.
“All academic programmes developed by UNIMAS are not only grounded in academic theory but are also shaped by strategic input from industry panels, professional bodies, and market requirements,” the university said, underscoring its goal to ensure every offering remains relevant, high-impact, and recognised by relevant authorities.
UNIMAS reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to developing and delivering academic programmes that align with present-day needs and emphasised that every student – regardless of background – deserves equal opportunity to build a secure future.
This, the university said, can only be achieved by maintaining strong academic quality that supports the broader national agenda for sustainable transformation and development.
Before this, Zambry had dismissed claims that certain university programmes lack relevance to industry needs.
He emphasised that universities and relevant ministries consistently adopt a whole-of-government approach when planning for national development.
