Established in 1956 as the Rural & Industrial Development Authority (RIDA) Training Centre, MARA University of Technology (UiTM) has evolved into Malaysia’s largest higher education institution by physical infrastructure, staff organization, and student enrollment. What began with just 50 students focused on helping rural Malays has transformed into a comprehensive educational powerhouse serving over 170,000 students nationwide.
A Legacy of Educational Excellence
Historical Journey
UiTM’s remarkable transformation from a modest training centre to a world-class university spans over six decades:
- 1956: Founded as RIDA Training Centre with 50 students
- 1967: Evolved into MARA Institute of Technology (ITM)
- 1999: Elevated to university status as Universiti Teknologi MARA
- Present: Malaysia’s largest comprehensive university
Growth and Expansion
Today, UiTM boasts an impressive educational network:
- 1 Main Campus in Shah Alam
- 13 Autonomous State Campuses across Malaysia
- 21 Satellite Campuses extending access to quality education
- 17,488 Staff Members (academic and non-academic)
- 170,514 Students (bumiputera and international)
- 515 Academic Programs from foundation to postgraduate levels
Academic Excellence
Comprehensive Program Offerings
UiTM provides an extensive range of educational opportunities:
Foundation Studies
Pre-university programs preparing students for degree-level education
Diploma Programs
Practical, career-oriented qualifications in various fields
Bachelor’s Degrees
Comprehensive undergraduate education across multiple disciplines
Postgraduate Studies
Master’s and doctoral programs for advanced specialization
Global Standards
Language of Instruction: All teaching is conducted fully in English, ensuring graduates are globally competitive and prepared for international career opportunities.
Quality Assurance: UiTM maintains rigorous academic standards through continuous quality improvement and international benchmarking.
Main Campus in Shah Alam
Strategic Location
The main campus in Shah Alam, Selangor, serves as the university’s flagship institution. This strategic location in Malaysia’s developed corridor provides students with:
- Excellent connectivity to Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas
- Access to industrial and business hubs for practical training
- Modern urban amenities for a complete student experience
- Cultural diversity in a metropolitan setting
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The Shah Alam campus features comprehensive facilities supporting both academic and extracurricular activities:
Academic Facilities
- Modern lecture halls and classrooms
- Advanced laboratories and research centers
- Extensive library collections
- Digital learning resources
Student Support Services
- Residential colleges
- Health and wellness centers
- Counseling services
- Career guidance units
Sports and Recreation
- Stadiums and sports complexes
- Swimming pools
- Gymnasiums
- Recreational grounds
Research and Innovation
Research Excellence
UiTM has established itself as a significant research institution focusing on:
- Applied research addressing industry needs
- Innovation and commercialization of research findings
- Sustainable development initiatives
- Community engagement projects
Industry Partnerships
The university maintains strong collaborations with:
- Government agencies for national development projects
- Private sector companies for commercial research
- International institutions for global research initiatives
- Professional bodies for curriculum development
Student Life and Development
Holistic Development
UiTM emphasizes comprehensive student development through:
Academic Excellence
- Quality teaching and learning
- Research opportunities
- Academic support services
Soft Skills Development
- Leadership programs
- Communication skills training
- Team building activities
Cultural Activities
- Cultural performances
- Traditional arts programs
- International cultural exchange
Student Organizations
Numerous clubs and societies provide platforms for:
- Leadership development
- Interest-based activities
- Community service
- Professional networking
Contribution to National Development
Human Capital Development
UiTM plays a crucial role in Malaysia’s development by:
- Producing skilled graduates for various industries
- Supporting bumiputera participation in higher education
- Addressing workforce needs in critical sectors
- Promoting social mobility through education
Economic Impact
The university contributes significantly through:
- Research commercialization
- Innovation ecosystems
- Graduate entrepreneurship
- Industry collaboration
Campus Tours
While primarily an educational institution, UiTM welcomes:
- Prospective students and their families
- Academic collaborators and researchers
- International visitors interested in Malaysian education
- Educational groups seeking campus exposure
Getting to UiTM Shah Alam
Location: Shah Alam, Petaling, Selangor
Accessibility: Well-connected by major highways and public transportation from Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas.
Category: Education
Future Directions
Vision and Aspirations
UiTM continues to pursue excellence through:
- Global recognition as a premier university
- Research innovation and commercialization
- International collaboration and partnerships
- Sustainable development initiatives
Commitment to Excellence
The university remains committed to its founding principles while embracing modern educational needs:
- Quality education for all students
- Research excellence with practical applications
- Community engagement and social responsibility
- Global competitiveness while maintaining local relevance
As Malaysia’s largest higher education institution, MARA University of Technology (UiTM) stands as a testament to the power of education in transforming lives and contributing to national development. From its humble beginnings as a training centre for 50 students, UiTM has grown into a comprehensive university ecosystem that continues to shape Malaysia’s educational landscape while producing graduates who contribute significantly to the nation’s progress.
