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UTP Milestones and Achievements

UTP Milestones and Achievements

 

Celebrating the journey of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS since 1995

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2025

  • •May: Ir Mohamed Firouz Asnan named as the university’s inaugural President.
  • •April: UTP breaks into the Top 50 for the first time in THE Asia University Rankings 2025. It is now the highest-ranked Malaysian university, securing the 43rd position, up from 52nd in the previous year. The university also retains its title as the number one university in Malaysia and private university in ASEAN.
  • •March: Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) continues to strengthen its global reputation, achieving remarkable rankings in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. UTP is ranked 184th in the world for Broad Subject: Engineering and Technology, reinforcing its position as the region’s leading private university in the field.

    UTP’s excellence is particularly evident in Petroleum Engineering, where it ranks 16th globally, placing it among the world's top 20 universities. The university’s engineering strengths extend across multiple disciplines, Mineral and Mining Engineering in the 51-100 band and Chemical Engineering in the 101-150 band.

    Additionally, the university’s Civil Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering both ranked in the 151-200 band, while Mechanical Engineering ranked in the 201-250 band. Meanwhile, UTP’s Computer Science and Information System programme ranks in the 301-350 band globally.

    Beyond Engineering and Technology, UTP has also gained recognition in Broad Subject: Natural Science, ranking 362nd worldwide. In this category, the university’s Chemistry programme is ranked in the 301-350 band, Physics in the 351-400 band, and Materials Science is ranked in the 251-300 band. Meanwhile, Business and Management Studies ranks in the 501-550 band.

2025

  • •June: UTP soared into the Top 300 of QS World University Rankings 2025 with the ranking of 269. This significant leap of 38 positions from its previous rank of 307 solidified UTP's position as a leading institution on the world stage.
  • •May: UTP made a remarkable leap in the THE Young University Rankings 2024, climbing an impressive 47 spots to secure the 32nd position from its previous ranking of 79th. With this achievement, UTP had maintained its position as Malaysia's number one university in the rankings for the fourth consecutive year since 2021
  • •May: UTP secured the number one university in Malaysia and ASEAN for ​second consecutive year on the THE Asia University Rankings 2024. UTP made a significant leap, climbing 11 positions to reach the 52nd place, up from 63rd in 2023.
  • •April: UTP soared in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. The university was ranked under two broad subjects – Engineering and Technology, and Natural Sciences (a new entrant), with an impressive eight subjects that climbed in rankings compared to the previous year.

    The most notable improvement was the Broad Subject – Engineering & Technology, which jumped 25 spots from 200th in 2023 to 175th in 2024.
    • Petroleum Engineering: 20th
    • Mineral and Mining Engineering: 41st
    • Civil Engineering: Top 150
    • Mechanical Engineering: Top 200
    • Chemical Engineering: Top 150
    • Electrical and Electronic Engineering: Top 200
    • Computer Science and Information System: Top 400
    • Materials Science: Top 300
    • Chemistry: Top 350
    • Physics: Top 450

2024

  • •June: UTP soared into the Top 300 of QS World University Rankings 2025 with the ranking of 269. This significant leap of 38 positions from its previous rank of 307 solidified UTP's position as a leading institution on the world stage.
  • •May: UTP made a remarkable leap in the THE Young University Rankings 2024, climbing an impressive 47 spots to secure the 32nd position from its previous ranking of 79th. With this achievement, UTP had maintained its position as Malaysia's number one university in the rankings for the fourth consecutive year since 2021
  • •May: UTP secured the number one university in Malaysia and ASEAN for ​second consecutive year on the THE Asia University Rankings 2024. UTP made a significant leap, climbing 11 positions to reach the 52nd place, up from 63rd in 2023.
  • •April: UTP soared in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. The university was ranked under two broad subjects – Engineering and Technology, and Natural Sciences (a new entrant), with an impressive eight subjects that climbed in rankings compared to the previous year.

    The most notable improvement was the Broad Subject – Engineering & Technology, which jumped 25 spots from 200th in 2023 to 175th in 2024.
    • Petroleum Engineering: 20th
    • Mineral and Mining Engineering: 41st
    • Civil Engineering: Top 150
    • Mechanical Engineering: Top 200
    • Chemical Engineering: Top 150
    • Electrical and Electronic Engineering: Top 200
    • Computer Science and Information System: Top 400
    • Materials Science: Top 300
    • Chemistry: Top 350
    • Physics: Top 450

2023

  • •July: UTP, a 26-year-old institution, once again achieved a remarkable feat in the prestigious THE Young University Rankings 2023. For the third consecutive year since 2021, UTP had solidified its position as Malaysia's number one university, demonstrating remarkable progress in global recognition by climbing an imp​ressive 40 places to secure the 79th position.
  • •June: UTP once again made its mark on the global stage, with an impressive ranking in the QS World University Rankings 2024. It recorded a phenomenal jump in the rankings. It ranked 307, climbing an impressive 54 spots from its previous position of 361.
  • •June: UTP achieved a historic milestone when it secured the position as Malaysia’s number one university and emerged as the number one private university in ASEAN in THE Asia University Rankings 2023.  The university leaped 32 spots, advancing from the 95th position last year to an impressive 63rd place in t​his year's rankings.
  • •March: UTP maintained its strong position in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, placing the institution among the best universities in the world.  The university emerged as the world’s most improved institution, among those with 10 or more ranked subjects, with an overall improvement of 82%.
  • •October: 23rd Convocation Ceremony with 1,386 graduates.
  • •November: UTP maintained its position as the best university in Malaysia, securing the 69th position, among 857 universities evaluated, in the QS Asia University Rankings. This recognition placed UTP among the top 8% of institutions in Asia and positioned the university at 16th within the ASEAN region. 

2022

  • •January: Proclamation of YBhg Tan Sri (Dr) Mohd Hassan Marican as Chancellor.
  • •January: 21st Convocation Ceremony with 1,604 graduates.
  • •January: Launch of UTP 25th Anniversary Celebration.
  • •February: UTP cemented its position as Malaysia’s number one university in the THE Young University Rankings 2022, climbing 15 places to 119th.
  • •April: UTP excelled across all subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subjects 2022. The broad subject areas were Engineering and Technology, Natural Sciences as well as Social Sciences and Management. For Broad Subject - Engineering and Technology, UTP was ranked 159th globally, rising 71 places from its previous 230th position. With this result, UTP was ranked fourth best among its Malaysian counterparts. UTP’s Petroleum Engineering subject was placed at 22nd and maintained its Top 50 position, while for Mineral and Mining Engineering subject, UTP was ranked at Top 60. With these rankings, UTP had retained its standing as the top university in the nation for both subjects for the third year in a row. Making its debut in the rankings was Materials Sciences subject which was ranked Top 400 globally and sixth in the nation.
  • •June: UTP made a huge leap in the QS World University Rankings 2023 by jumping 53 spots to 361st from its previous position of 414th. With this ranking, it had placed the university in the top 26% of universities in the world.
  • •October: UTP reached another milestone in the THE World University Rankings 2023, when it surged to the 401-500 band from its previous ranking of 501-600. With this achievement, UTP had retained its position as Malaysia’s number one private university, successfully placing itself as second among Malaysian universities and sixth among ASEAN universities.
  • •November: 22nd Convocation Ceremony with 1,438 graduates.

2021

  • •March: UTP ranked among the best universities in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject, with 11 subjects featured:
    • Petroleum Engineering: Top 50
    • Mineral Engineering: Top 50
    • Mining Engineering: Top 50
    • Chemical Engineering: Top 150
    • Civil Engineering: Top 200
    • Electrical and Electronics Engineering: Top 250
    • Mechanical Engineering: Top 300
    • Computer Science and Information Systems: Top 450
    • Chemistry: Top 550
    • Physics: Top 600 (new entrant)
    • Business and Management Studies: Top 500 (new entrant)
  • •June: UTP maintained its position as Malaysia’s best private university in the THE Asia University Rankings 2021, rising 13 spots to 111th.
  • •June: UTP ranked 414th in the QS World University Rankings 2022, up 25 spots from 439th.
  • •June: UTP ranked 134th and emerged as Malaysia’s number one university in the THE Young University Rankings 2021.
  • •September: UTP broke into the 501-600 band in the THE World University Rankings 2022, up from 601-800.
  • •October: UTP ranked 60th in the THE Emerging Economies Rankings 2022, becoming Malaysia’s top private university and second among Malaysian universities.
  • •November: UTP ranked 72nd in the QS Asia University Rankings 2022.
  • •December: Proclamation of YM Datuk Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Kamadjaja Aziz, and YBhg Tan Sri Zaharah Ibrahim as Pro Chancellors.
  • •December: 20th Convocation Ceremony with 1,730 graduates.

2020

  • •February: Ranked 78th in the THE Emerging Economies Rankings 2020, making UTP the top private institution in Malaysia.
  • •March: Retained 6-Star rating in MyRA 2020 and received the Special Award for Outstanding Achievement for maintaining excellence since 2015.
  • •March: UTP was the only institution in Malaysia to be ranked 42nd (Top 50) in the 2020 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Mineral and Mining Engineering.
  • •June: Ranked 124th in the THE Asia University Rankings 2020.
  • •July: Petroleum Engineering ranked 21st globally and first in Malaysia in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020.
  • •July: Six other programmes featured in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020: Chemical Engineering (Top 150), Civil Engineering (Top 200), Electrical & Electronics Engineering (Top 250), Mechanical Engineering (Top 300), Computer Science & Information System (Top 400), Chemistry (Top 550).
  • •November: Ranked 70th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2021, up 12 spots from 82nd.
  • •December: Retained 6-Star (Outstanding) status in SETARA 2018/2019.

2019

  • •January: Ranked 60th in the THE Emerging Economies Rankings 2019, up from 77th.
  • •February: Ranked 221st in the QS World University Rankings by Broad Subject of Engineering and Technology 2019.
  • •February: Ranked in four subjects: Chemical Engineering (Top 200), Mechanical Engineering (Top 300), Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Top 250), Computer Science & Information System (Top 400).
  • •February: Ranked 101-110 in the THE Asia-Pacific University Rankings 2019.
  • •May: Ranked 98th in the THE Asia University Rankings 2019.
  • •June: Ranked 101-150 in the THE Young University Rankings 2018.
  • •June: Ranked 482nd in the QS World University Rankings 2020.
  • •July: Ranked in the 71-80 band in the QS Top 50 under 50 2020.
  • •August: Ranked 601-800 in the THE World University Rankings 2019.
  • •September: Retained position in the 601-800 band in the THE World University Rankings 2020.
  • •November: 19th Convocation Ceremony with 1,711 graduates.

2018

  • •January: Organisation structure and nomenclatures of UTP revised.
  • •February: UTP leaped 33 places from last year and is now ranked 114th in Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2018.
  • •March: Leaped 88 places to rank 145th in the 2018 QS World University Rankings by Broad Subject of Engineering and Technology. UTP has also been ranked in four subjects, Top 150 in the world for Chemical Engineering, Top 200 for Mechanical Engineering, Top 250 for Electrical Engineering and Top 300 for Computer Science & Information System.
  • •March: Retained 6-Star Rating under the MyRA system.
  • •May: Ranked 77th in the THE Emerging Economies Rankings 2018, up from 91st.
  • •May: Climbed 80 places into the rank range of 521-530 in the QS World University Rankings 2019 from 601-630
  • •September: Retained position in the 601-800 band in the THE World University Rankings 2019.
  • •October: Ranked within Top 100 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2019, the only private university in Malaysia in the rankings.
  • •November: Proclamation of YBhg Datuk Ahmad Nizam Salleh as Pro Chancellor.
  • •November: 18th Convocation Ceremony with 1,659 graduates.
  • •November: Achieved 5-Star overall rating in the QS Stars University Ratings System.
    • •November: UTP retained its 6-Star Rating under Malaysia Research Assessment (MyRA) system.​​
    •November: Awarded 6-Star Rating in the Rating System for Malaysian Higher Education (SETARA) 2017.

2017

  • •January: UTP celebrated its 20th anniversary on 10 January.
  • •January: UTP new R&D Building officially opened by YB Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, Minister of Higher Education.
  • •March: Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering maintained Top 150 and Top 200 rankings in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017. Electrical & Electronic Engineering and Computer Science & Information Systems remained in Top 200 and Top 300.
  • •March: Improved ranking from 288 to 233 in the QS World University Ranking 2017 for Engineering & Technology Faculty.
  • •March: Debuted in the THE Asia University Rankings 2017 at the 141-150 band.
  • •April: Debuted in the THE Young University Rankings 2017, ranked between 151-200.
  • •June: Retained position in the 601-650 band in the QS World University Rankings 2018.
  • •July: Ranked at 131-140 in the THE Asia-Pacific University Ranking.
  • •July: Retained position in the 91-100 band for QS Top 50 under 50.
  • •October: 17th Convocation Ceremony with 1,260 graduates.
  • •October: Improved standing in the QS Asian University Rankings 2018, moving up to 101.
  • •November: Awarded ISO 9001:2015 for "Provision of Education Services for Undergraduate Levels Including Design & Development of Programmes".
  • •November: Achieved 6-Star (Outstanding) status in SETARA 2017 under the Mature University category.

2016

  • •March: QS World University Ranking by Subject acknowledged Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering as Top 150 and Top 200, respectively. Electrical & Electronics at Top 250 and Computer & Information Sciences at Top 350.
  • •June: Improved standing in the QS Asian University Rankings 2016, moving up to 127.
  • •September: UTP debuted in the 2016/17 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, entering in the 601-650 band. It is the only private university to make it into the rankings.
  • •September: UTP made its first appearance in the QS Top 50 under 50 and was ranked in the 91-100 band. The ranking is based on the world's best universities that are less than 50 years old.
  • •September: UTP made its debut in The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2016/2017. UTP and five Malaysian research universities, UKM, UPM, USM and UTM are all ranked in the 601-800 band.
  • •November: Retained 6-star rating for MyRA 2015.
  • •November: Proclamation of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as Chancellor of UTP.
  • •November: 16th Convocation Ceremony with 1,469 graduates.
  • •December: Made it to the Top 100 of the THE BRICS & Emerging Economies Ranking 2017 for the first time.

2015

  • •May: Three subjects ranked in the 2015 QS World University Ranking by Subject: Electrical & Electronic Engineering (201-250), Mechanical Engineering (201-250), Computer Science & Information Systems (301-350).
  • •June: Ranked 151-160 in Asia and Malaysia's only private university in the Top 200 QS Asian University Ranking 2015.
  • •September: Improved ranking from 335 to 288 in QS World University Ranking 2015 for Engineering & Technology Faculty.
  • •October: Proclamation of YBhg. Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin as Pro Chancellor.
  • •October: 15th Convocation Ceremony with 1,154 graduates.
  • •December: Only private university in Malaysia rated 6-star under MyRA.

2014

  • •February: Ranked in the Top 200 in the 2014 QS World University Ranking by Subject for Chemical Engineering.
  • •May: Only private university in Malaysia ranked in the Top 200 for the 2014 QS Asia University Rankings.
  • •September: Ranked at 335 for the 2014 QS World University Rankings under Engineering and Technology Faculty.
  • •October: Centre of Intelligent Signal and Imaging Research (CISIR) recognised as National Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HiCoE) by Ministry of Education.
  • •October: 14th Convocation Ceremony with 1,278 graduates.
  • •November: The only private university in Malaysia rated a 4-star institution by QS, with a maximum 5-star rating in Employability, Internationalisation, Innovation, Facilities, and Inclusiveness.

2013

  • •January: Conferred with a Tier 5 (Excellent) for D-SETARA 2011 (Discipline-Based Rating System) in Engineering.
  • •October: 13th Convocation Ceremony with 1,147 graduates.
  • •December: Rated 3-star for Excellence in the QS World University rating for 2013.

2012

  • •July: First Private University Accredited by Standards Malaysia for its Universal Testing Machine Laboratory.
  • •October: Certified ISO 9001:2008 for Quality Management System (Final Undergraduate Examination).
  • •October: Proclamation of YBhg Tan Sri Sidek Hassan as Pro Chancellor.
  • •October: 12th Convocation Ceremony with 1,267 graduates.
  • •November: Rated Tier 5 (Excellent) under the 2011 Rating System for Institutions of Higher Learning (SETARA).
  • •November: Rated 5 Star under 2011 MyRA (Malaysian Research Assessment Instrument).

2011

  • •April: Received recognition for its Structured Student Industrial Internship Programme from Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp).
  • •April: Organisation structure and nomenclatures of UTP revised.
  • •April: Establishment of the Faculty of Geosciences & Petroleum Engineering.
  • •June: Centre of Innovative Nanostructure & Nanodevices (COINN) recognised as National Centre of Excellence in Nanotechnology by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
  • •October: 11th Convocation Ceremony with 1,470 graduates.
  • •October: Formation of Research Advisory Council.

2010

  • •July: Rated Tier 5 (Excellent) under the 2009 Rating System for Institutions of Higher Learning (SETARA).
  • •October: Proclamation of YBhg Dato' Shamsul Azhar Abbas as Pro Chancellor.
  • •October: 10th Convocation Ceremony with 1,190 graduates.

2009

  • •August: Ninth Convocation Ceremony with 1,139 graduates.

2008

  • •August: Eighth Convocation Ceremony with 1,088 graduates.
  • •October: Launch of UTP Transformation Plan.

2007

  • •August: Seventh Convocation Ceremony with 848 graduates.
  • •September: The Chancellor Complex received Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
  • •October: UTP awarded MSC status.

2006

  • •July: Official Opening of An-Nur Mosque by HRH The Sultan of Perak.
  • •August: Sixth Convocation Ceremony with 724 graduates.

2005

  • •March: Establishment of Halliburton Training Research Centre at UTP.
  • •August: Fifth Convocation Ceremony with 563 graduates.
  • •September: Accreditation by IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) UK for Chemical Engineering Programme.

2004

  • •January: Commencement of MSc in Petroleum Engineering and MSc in Process Integration.
  • •April: Proclamation of YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad as Chancellor of UTP.
  • •August: Official Opening of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS by YAB Dato' Seri Abdullah Hj Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister of Malaysia.
  • •August: Fourth Convocation Ceremony with 464 graduates.

2003

  • •February: Appointment of Academic Advisory Council Members.
  • •June: Official Opening of Academic Complex by YBhg Tun Azizan Zainul Abidin, Chairman of PETRONAS and ITPSB Board.
  • •August: Proclamation of YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Seri (Dr) Mohd Hassan Marican as Pro Chancellor.
  • •August: Third Convocation Ceremony with 333 graduates.

2002

  • •January: Commencement of Engineering and Mechanical Engineering programmes.
  • •February–March: Recognition from Public Services Department for Chemical Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, and Information Systems Programmes.
  • •March: Completion of UTP Research, Development and Consultancy Master Plan.
  • •August: Second Convocation Ceremony with 304 graduates.

2001

  • •August: Proclamation of YABhg Mulia (Dr) Raja Tun Mohar Raja Badiozaman as Chancellor.
  • •August: Proclamation of YBhg Tun Azizan Zainul Abidin as Pro Chancellor.
  • •August: Inaugural Convocation Ceremony with 150 graduates.
  • •September: Commencement of UTP Research, Development and Consultancy Master Plan.
  • •October–January: Accreditation from Board of Engineers, Malaysia for Chemical Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering Programmes.

2000

  • •July: Introduction of postgraduate Degree programmes.

1999

  • •September–November: Accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Chemical Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, and Information Systems programmes.

1998

  • •July: Commencement of UTP Academic Master Plan Study, followed by the Physical Development Master Plan.
  • •December: Completion of UTP Academic Master Plan Study and commencement of Physical Development Master Plan.

1997

  • •January: Invitation by the Minister of Education to set up UTP.

1996

  • •July: Relocation to the permanent campus in Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan.

1995

  • •April: Setting up of Institute of Technology PETRONAS.
  • •July: First Academic session commenced in PERMATA, Bangi.

Last updated: 30 April 2025​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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