LETTERS: In chronological order, UniversitI Malaya was established in 1962 in Kuala Lumpur, the one and only university in post-independent Malaya.
In 1969, Universiti Pulau Pinang was established with 57 science students. The first vice-chancellor was Professor Hamzah Sendut. The university was later renamed Universiti Sains Malaysia.
A year later, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia was established with three faculties and 192 students with Professor Dr Rashdan Baba as vice-chancellor.
In 1973, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia was established. Later on, it was renamed Universiti Putra Malaysia.
The following year, Universiti Technology Malaysia was established. The 1970s saw many universities in Malaysia established at a fast pace.
From 1970 onwards, there was a great demand for higher education. As new universities were established rapidly, there was concern that quality may not be up to a par.
In 1988, there was an article in a newspaper that said mediocrity ruled academia. The Ivory Towers took note in good faith.
They took a hard look at themselves. They needed to revamp the universities. Teaching and research were given due emphasis.
The five universities were given enough funding befitting their status as the only five research and autonomous universities in Malaysia.
They are called the First Five. Hopefully, they will become Famous Five in the years to come. The five universities have since bucked up and their concerted efforts have borne fruit.
Today, Universiti Malaya is ranked as the eighth top university in Asia.
The other four are also doing well as shown in the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Ranking for 2022.
This is a far cry from the days in 1988 when our universities were deemed mediocre.
The new ranking is a morale booster and should be an impetus for them to continue to scale greater heights. For those who have excelled, they must guard against complacency.
For those that are not yet in the top league, they should not be demoralised but instead find ways and means to achieve greater heights.
Despondency would be their stumbling block. Universiti Malaya, therefore, can be the role model for others to emulate. We must learn from its success stories.
DR KOH AIK KHOON
Alumni, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
