Organisational Overview
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), located in the serene city of Tanjung Malim, Perak, stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Malaysia. Established in 1922 as the Sultan Idris Training College, UPSI has undergone a transformative journey to become a comprehensive university renowned for its teacher education programs.
With a rich history spanning over a century, UPSI has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s education landscape. The university’s unwavering commitment to producing high-calibre educators has contributed significantly to the development of Malaysia’s human capital. Beyond teacher education, UPSI offers a diverse range of programs across various disciplines, reflecting its status as a multifaceted institution of higher learning.
As a public university, UPSI is dedicated to providing accessible and quality education to the Malaysian population. The institution’s emphasis on research, innovation, and community engagement has positioned it as a leading academic and intellectual hub in the country.
Key Priorities
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has established a clear set of priorities to fulfil its mission as a leading educational institution in Malaysia. These priorities are aligned with the evolving needs of the nation’s education system and the demands of the globalised world.
Teacher Education Excellence
UPSI’s core mandate is to produce high-quality teachers equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to excel in the classroom. The university has implemented several initiatives to achieve this goal, including:
- Strengthening Curriculum: UPSI continually reviews and updates its teacher education curriculum to align with the latest educational trends and national standards. For example, the integration of technology and digital pedagogy into teacher training programs has been a key focus. The university’s emphasis on inquiry-based learning and student-centered approaches reflects its commitment to modern teaching methodologies.
- Practical Experience: UPSI places a strong emphasis on practical teaching experience through its extensive teaching practicum program. Students are placed in diverse school settings to gain hands-on experience and apply theoretical knowledge. The university has partnered with numerous schools to provide high-quality practicum placements.
- Lifelong Learning: UPSI promotes a culture of continuous professional development among teachers through various programs, such as postgraduate studies and professional development courses. The university offers a wide range of master’s and doctoral programs in education, enabling teachers to advance their knowledge and expertise.
Research and Innovation
UPSI is committed to generating new knowledge and finding innovative solutions to educational challenges. Key initiatives include:
- Research Centres: The establishment of specialised research centres such as the Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CENTRI) has facilitated focused research in areas like early childhood education, special education, and educational technology.
- Faculty Development: UPSI provides robust support for faculty research through grants, fellowships, and research leave programs. The university has successfully secured funding from various agencies to support research projects with a significant impact on education.
- Knowledge Dissemination: UPSI actively disseminates research findings through conferences, seminars, and publications. The university has organised numerous international and national conferences to share research outcomes with the academic community and policymakers.
Community Engagement
UPSI recognises the importance of engaging with the community to create a positive impact. Key initiatives include:
- School Partnerships: UPSI has established strong partnerships with schools to implement research-based practices and provide support for teachers and students. The university’s School-Based Support Teams (SBSTs) have been instrumental in providing guidance and resources to schools.
- Community Outreach Programs: UPSI organises various community outreach programs, such as literacy campaigns, health awareness initiatives, and environmental conservation projects. The university’s involvement in the adoption of nearby schools has significantly impacted the community’s educational outcomes.
- Industry Collaborations: UPSI actively collaborates with industries to provide students with real-world experiences and address industry needs. The university has established industry partnerships for internships, work-based learning, and joint research projects.
Internationalisation
UPSI aims to become a globally recognised university by fostering international collaborations. Key initiatives include:
- Student Exchange Programs: UPSI offers a wide range of student exchange programs with partner universities in various countries, providing students with opportunities to experience different cultures and educational systems.
- Faculty Mobility: The university encourages faculty members to participate in international conferences, research collaborations, and teaching assignments to enhance their global outlook.
- International Curriculum Development: UPSI has developed joint degree programs and curriculum with international partners to offer students a global perspective and enhance employability.
By prioritising these areas, UPSI is positioning itself as a leading institution in teacher education and a catalyst for educational advancement in Malaysia.
Challenges and Opportunities
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) operates within a dynamic higher education landscape, facing both challenges and opportunities.
Challenges
- Evolving Educational Landscape: The rapid pace of technological advancement and changing societal needs require constant adaptation of curriculum and teaching methodologies. For instance, the integration of digital tools and online learning platforms presents both opportunities and challenges for UPSI. A recent study by the Ministry of Higher Education revealed a 35% increase in online course enrolments among Malaysian students in the past five years, emphasising the need for universities to adapt their teaching approaches.
- Talent Acquisition and Retention: Attracting and retaining top academic talent is crucial for maintaining UPSI’s reputation as a leading institution. Competition for qualified faculty members is intense, especially in specialised fields. Data from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) indicates a 15% turnover rate among academic staff in public universities, highlighting the need for effective talent management strategies.
- Financial Constraints: Limited budgetary resources can hinder UPSI’s ability to invest in infrastructure, research, and student support services. The rising costs of higher education coupled with increasing student enrolment can strain the university’s financial position. A recent report by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) showed a 10% decrease in government funding per student for public universities in the past decade.
Opportunities
- Growing Demand for Skilled Educators: Malaysia’s emphasis on human capital development creates a strong demand for qualified teachers. UPSI’s expertise in teacher education positions it well to capitalise on this growing market. The Malaysian Education Blueprint 2015-2025 targets a teacher-student ratio of 1:25 by 2025, presenting significant opportunities for UPSI.
- Government Support for Higher Education: The Malaysian government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education presents opportunities for UPSI to grow and expand its programs. Initiatives such as the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) have disbursed over RM100 billion in student loans since its inception, indicating substantial government support for higher education.
- Research Collaboration: Partnerships with industry, government, and other academic institutions can foster collaborative research projects and generate new knowledge. UPSI can learn from institutions like Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) which have secured over RM500 million in research grants in the past five years.
By effectively addressing these challenges and capitalising on emerging opportunities, UPSI can strengthen its position as a leading educational institution in Malaysia.
How CelcomDigi can partner with UPSI ?
CelcomDigi, as a leading telecommunications company, can offer a range of innovative solutions to support UPSI’s educational objectives and enhance the overall student experience.
Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity
- High-Speed Campus Network: Implementing a fibre-optic backbone with a redundant ring topology and Wi-Fi access points to provide ubiquitous gigabit connectivity. This architecture ensures high availability, low latency, and sufficient bandwidth for demanding applications such as video streaming, online collaboration, and virtual reality experiences.
- IoT-Enabled Campus: Deploying a Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) infrastructure to connect a multitude of IoT sensors for environmental monitoring, asset tracking, and energy management. Integrating these data streams with a campus management system can optimise resource utilisation and create a sustainable campus environment.
Educational Technology Solutions
- Digital Learning Platform: Developing a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS) integrated with a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to ensure seamless access to educational content. Utilising adaptive learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, the platform can personalise learning experiences based on individual student needs and performance data.
- Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR): Leveraging 5G network capabilities to deliver immersive AR/VR experiences through mobile devices and head-mounted displays. Developing interactive simulations and virtual labs can enhance student engagement and knowledge retention in fields like medicine, engineering, and architecture.
Research and Innovation
- Data Analytics Platform: Implementing a Big Data analytics platform with advanced data visualisation tools to support research activities. Integrating data from various sources, including student records, research outputs, and campus sensors, can generate valuable insights for improving educational outcomes and resource allocation.
- 5G Network for Research: Deploying a standalone 5G network with low latency and high bandwidth characteristics to support research projects requiring real-time data processing and transmission. This infrastructure can enable applications such as remote experimentation, drone-based data collection, and artificial intelligence training.
Student Experience and Engagement
- Digital Identity Management: Implementing a Federated Identity Management (FIM) system based on open standards to provide secure access to campus resources. Utilising blockchain technology for credential verification can enhance security and privacy.
- Mobile Applications: Developing native mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms that leverage location-based services, push notifications, and mobile payments. Integrating these applications with campus systems can create a seamless and personalised student experience.
By partnering with CelcomDigi, UPSI can leverage cutting-edge technology to improve the overall learning experience, enhance research capabilities, and optimize campus operations. These collaborations can position UPSI as a leading digital university and contribute to the development of the Malaysian education ecosystem.
Key Stakeholders
Vice Chancellor Office
- Vice Chancellor:
- Professor Dato’ Dr. Md Amin bin Md Taff
- Tel : +605 – 4506777
- Email : md.amin@fsskj.upsi.edu.my / ncupsi@upsi.edu.my
- Special Officer:
- Mr. Mohd Syahdan bin Mohamad Saleh
- Tel : +6012 – 989 1441
- Email : syahdan@upsi.edu.my
Deputy Vice Chancellor Office
- Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & International):
- Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahim bin Razalli
- Tel : +605 – 450 6555
- Email : tncaa@upsi.edu.my
- Special Officer:
- Mr. Abdul Hadi bin Ahmad
- Tel : +605 – 4506378
- Email : abdhadi@upsi.edu.my
- Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation):
- Prof. Dr. Suriani binti Abu Bakar
- Tel : +6015 – 4879 7880
- Email : tncpi@upsi.edu.my
- Special Officer:
- Mr. Mohd Hanif bin Mohamad
- Tel : +6015 – 4879 7882
- Email : hanifmohd@upsi.edu.my
- Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni):
- Prof. Dr. Norkhalid bin Salimin
- Tel : +6015 – 4879 7083
- Email : norkhalid@fsskj.upsi.edu.my
- Special Officer:
- Mr. Mohd Raizol bin Ramli
- Tel : +6015 – 4879 7085
- Email : raizol@upsi.edu.my
Registrar Office
- Registrar
- Mr. Helmi Zaifura bin Abdul Rahman
- Tel : +605 – 450 6444
- Email : helmi@upsi.edu.my
Administrative Department
For detailed information on all divisions, departments, centres and the respective members in charge, please refer to this link below : https://www.upsi.edu.my/administrative-department/
Key Takeaways
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) holds a pivotal role in shaping Malaysia’s education landscape. By leveraging technology and fostering strategic partnerships, UPSI can enhance its academic offerings, elevate the student experience, and contribute to the nation’s progress. A collaboration with CelcomDigi can accelerate UPSI’s digital transformation and position the university as a leader in innovative education.
By harnessing the power of digital infrastructure, educational technology, and data analytics, UPSI can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century.