SINTOK, 12 November 2025: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) continues to demonstrate its commitment in producing global-minded human capital, rooted in local values, in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, said UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan.
He made the remark during the Sixth Session of the UUM 38th Convocation Ceremony, held at Mu’adzam Shah Hall, this morning.
A total of 844 graduates received their degrees from programmes including, Bachelor of Accounting, Bachelor of Accounting (Information System), Bachelor of Business Administration (Logistics and Transportation), Bachelor of Operations Management and Bachelor of Technology Management.
Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan expressed his pride in the accomplishment of UUM graduates, particularly the participants of the Elite Management Trainee (EMT) programme, a collaboration with PKT Logistics Group.
“18 graduands from the School of Technology Management and Logistics (STML) participated in this one-year programme and have been absorbed into the logistics company with a starting salary of RM 4,200 per month, Before even walking across this stage, they have already been employed, and some of them are here with us in this hall today,” he said.
He also conveyed his appreciation to the parents, families, lecturers and all university staff who played vital role in the success of the graduates.
Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan further highlighted six of the university’s latest achievements :
- UUM’s alumni now total nearly 180,000 members including the graduates in this convocation.
- The QS World University Rankings 2026 witnessed UUM ranked at 491stglobally, rose 63 places from the previous year.
- In QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026, UUM ascended to the 65thbest in Asia, reflecting growing international recognition.
- The graduate marketability rate reached 96.6%, rising from 95% last year.
- A total of 918 graduates (15%) earning more than RM4,000 per month, while 13 bachelor’s degree graduates have already earning more than RM10,000 per month; and
- UUM’s Banking programme was recognised as the best in Malaysia by employers through Talentbank.
In addition, UUM received the Employers’ Choice Award 2024 and six-star ratings for several programmes, including Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resource Management, Logistics and Marketing.
Touching on the theme of his speech, Nurturing Global-Minded Human Capital Rooted in Local Values, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan reminded graduates to strive to become competent professionals and entrepreneurs, especially in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“Graduands should not merely be users of technology, but must also possess the potential to lead it in the future,” he emphasis.
He added that the high demand for UUM’s Accounting programme reflected the university’s academic reputation, with 1,282 applicants achieving 100% merit scores for only 350 available places in the September 2025 intake.
He also noted that many international students, including from China, have chosen UUM as their preferred study destination, and their success on the global stage attests to the university’s educational excellence.
Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan also underscored the importance of integrity, ethics and discipline as the foundation for lasting success, as well as urging graduates to fulfil their obligations to agencies such as PTPTN, MARA and JPA responsibly.
“Malaysia will always need globally competitive talents with strong local identity. Wherever we may go, we must never forget the local values that shape our character and success,” he concluded.
