The Accelerated Programme for Excellence (Apex) APEX University program initiated by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education promises much autonomy for the chosen university in important areas like finance, university management, student intake and fees. The university will also be free to recruit more researchers with internationally competitive salaries, thus setting it towards its goal of producing Nobel Laureates in the future.
USM was chosen over 9 other universities in Malaysia. The rigorous criteria of selection was conducted by an independent group of experienced professionals, and aided by two international consultants.
USM chose a sustainability led growth vision of “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow”
USM was established in 1969. In 2007, it was anointed as one of four research universities by the Ministry of Higher Education, elevating its status to the top of more than 100 public and private universities and colleges in Malaysia. In the same year, USM was rated as the only “excellent” or 5 star university in the Academic Reputation Survey conducted by the Malaysian Qualification Agency.
