Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is a prominent public university primarily located in Shah Alam, Selangor. Established in 1956 as the RIDA (Rural & Industrial Development Authority) Training Centre, it initially catered to rural Malays with around 50 students. Over the years, it has evolved into Malaysia's largest institution of higher education in terms of physical infrastructure, faculty and staff, and student enrollment. The university consists of one main campus and 34 satellite campuses, offering over 500 programs taught in English at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. UiTM is home to approximately 170,514 full-time and part-time bumiputera and international students. While postgraduate programs are available for international students and bumiputera, they are not open to non-bumiputera individuals. In 2019, UiTM proposed changing its corporate name to Arshad Ayub University in honor of Arshad Ayub, the country's education icon and founding father. This proposal is pending regulatory approval from the Ministry of Education. Additionally, another proposed name is Universiti DiRaja Malaysia (Royal University of Malaysia).

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) traces its origins back to the RIDA (Rural & Industrial Development Authority) Training Centre, or Dewan Latihan RIDA in Malay, which was established following the vision of Onn Jaafar, the founder and former president of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). This idea was inspired by Jaafar's visit to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1951, where he studied the rural development program. A paper was drafted outlining the establishment of RIDA and its objectives, which included the reconstruction of rural society and the improvement of the economy of rural Malays. The Federal Legislative Council passed a bill, Paper No. 10/1951, in the same year, leading to the establishment of RIDA. Section 5 of the bill provides justification and the necessity for RIDA's establishment, while Section 8 employs the term "kampong," or village, which is synonymous with the Malays.

University residential college policy is to provide accommodation, food and a comfortable learning environment, happy and safe for all students. All students are encouraged to abide by the rules and regulations to ensure the comfort and harmony within the residential colleges. Since the movement of the Faculty of Dentistry UiTM to Sungai Buloh Campus in September 2015, the 315 students are now residing in RC2 for the boys and a new residential block RC3 for the girls.

UiTM stands as the largest institution of higher learning in Malaysia, both in terms of size and population, making it the largest university system in the country. Its branch campuses are overseen by Rectors who directly report to the Vice-Chancellor. With campuses spanning across every state in Malaysia except the Federal Territories, some states host multiple campuses. The flagship state campuses are helmed by Rectors, while smaller city campuses are led by Assistant Rectors. Apart from the main campus in Shah Alam, UiTM boasts 34 branch campuses nationwide, offering a diverse array of over 500 academic programs. UiTM has implemented a system known as 1 University Multi System (1UiTM), which designates a parent university with 13 branch campuses. Each UiTM campus must individually obtain accreditation for its quality management system, with certification for the flagship campus not extending to state campuses, requiring each state campus to pursue its own certification. UiTM is led by a Vice Chancellor, with its main administrative center situated at the main campus in Shah Alam, housing the Office of the Chancellor and the Registrar.

Libraries

• Established in 1956 as the RIDA Training Centre Library, later renamed MARA College Library in 1965 and Tun Abdul Razak Library in 1972.
• In 1999, upgraded to Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), transitioning into a hybrid library with automated processes.
• UiTM Library offers online access to a diverse range of resources, serving as a primary reference for users globally.
• Located at the main campus in Shah Alam, the library is a hub for learning and innovation within the UiTM network.
• It continues to evolve with technology, providing seamless access to knowledge for students and researchers worldwide.

Residential colleges 

UiTM's main campus offers accommodation through 13 residential colleges, each with varying room capacities ranging from two to eight students per room. While under UiTM's jurisdiction, college directors have some autonomy. Gender segregation is practiced, except in Kolej Teratai. First-year students enjoy free rental, while subsequent years incur minimal fees. Driving is restricted for first-year students, and all colleges provide free Wi-Fi. Due to enrollment increases, some students opt for off-campus housing, managed by a dedicated unit ensuring their welfare and safety.

Is UiTM public or private?

UiTM is a public university based primarily in Shah Alam, Selangor.

Why UiTM is the best university?

Among the eleven indicators for QS AUR, UiTM saw the highest increase in the score for International Research Network, which is a measurement of the richness or diverseness of UiTM's international research partners that also reflects the university's efforts towards driving global engagement.

Why is UiTM good?

Since the beginning, UITM is a modern and dynamic university. It follows trends and listen to experts. Teach in a flexible and effective way. The university cooperates with many companies and institutions, that's why ALL courses are adapted to the labour market's needs.