In an exclusive interview with NiagaTimes, Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr Mohd Shukri Ab. Yajid, the Founder and President of Management and Science University (MSU) talks about the vision that has shaped the institution, the milestones that have defined its progress, and the philosophy that continues to guide its place in higher education today.
The founding of MSU was not a matter of chance but of conviction. Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri explained that the inspiration to establish the university stemmed from his strong belief that education must extend beyond producing graduates with academic knowledge. For him, the purpose of education has always been to nurture individuals who are not only intelligent but also grounded in values, character and humanity. “From the very beginning,” he says, “my vision was to build a university that bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands while providing equal academic access to all.”
The university was therefore founded on the philosophy of transforming lives and enriching the future. “MSU’s biggest aim has been to produce graduates who are employable, entrepreneurial, and globally competitive, yet remain firmly rooted in their human values,” says Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri. Education, in his view, should provide compelling learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in a world that is constantly changing.
Since its inception as Kolej Universiti Teknologi dan Pengurusan Malaysia (KUTPM) in 2001, MSU’s journey has been one of rapid growth and transformation. It was conferred full university status in 2007, becoming Management and Science University, a milestone that, according to Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri, “reinforced MSU’s role in shaping Malaysia’s higher education landscape.”
He describes how the institution has grown from a specialised college into a globally recognised university with ten satellite campuses nationwide and three international branches in Bangalore, Colombo, and Jakarta. “Today, MSU has expanded its academic offerings to more than 200 homegrown programmes spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, and TVET levels, as well as micro-credentials and short courses,” explains Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri. This broad spectrum of programmes reflects its enduring mission to serve students from diverse backgrounds.
International recognition has been another important achievement. “Earning a place in the QS World University Rankings and the THE World University Ranking has been a testament to our progress on the global stage,” he shares. MSU’s evolution, Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri believes, is a story of a local institution that has successfully become globally connected, industry-driven, and future-focused.
One of the most striking aspects of MSU’s approach lies in its commitment to balancing academic excellence with practical, industry-relevant learning. Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri explains that MSU works closely with more than 3,000 local and international industry partners who sit on the University Industry Advisory Panel. “Their input ensures that courses remain aligned with the demands of the market,” he adds.
“Academic learning is only part of the journey. Our students gain practical experience through internships, industry projects, entrepreneurial initiatives, and global mobility programmes. This integration of theory and practice is what equips our graduates with adaptability and leadership qualities.”
The outcomes speak for themselves. According to the Ministry of Higher Education’s 2024 Graduate Tracer Study, MSU achieved an outstanding Graduate Employability rate of 99 per cent, with Graduate Marketability at 99.7 per cent—among the highest in Malaysia. In recognition of this, Talentbank named MSU the Employers’ Choice of University for 2025, underscoring the confidence industries have in MSU’s graduates.
In today’s interconnected world, international collaboration has become central to higher education, and MSU has made it a cornerstone of its growth. “International collaboration is no longer optional—it is essential,” Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri remarks. “At MSU we believe knowledge knows no borders.”
The university currently partners with over 500 institutions worldwide, enabling joint research, academic collaborations, and cultural exchange. He explains that these partnerships are not merely about numbers but about shared purpose, particularly in areas of community impact and global sustainability.
Students also benefit directly from these collaborations through initiatives such as the Global Mobility Programme, Global Leadership Programme, and Global Internship Programme. These avenues allow them to embark on exchanges, dual degree arrangements, and international internships in over 40 countries. “These experiences shape students into agile, globally minded professionals, capable of thriving in multicultural workplaces,” he points out.
The student body itself mirrors MSU’s international outlook. With learners hailing from more than 75 countries—and the number expected to reach 100 in the near future—the university offers a rich platform for intercultural engagement. To ensure inclusivity, MSU also provides financial assistance through the Scholarship for Mobility and International Learning Experiences (SMILE), which allows students from less privileged backgrounds to gain global exposure. “Global learning at MSU is not just about academic growth,” Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri explains, “it is about cultivating empathy, adaptability, and leadership skills—the qualities most needed in tomorrow’s leaders.”
MSU’s forward trajectory focuses heavily on research and emerging fields. Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri reveals that the university is poised to strengthen its role as a globally recognised hub for talent development. “We are expanding our research ecosystem, deepening our collaboration with industry, and positioning ourselves in critical areas such as digital health, green technology, artificial intelligence, and TVET,” he says.
TVET, in particular, is a field he views as essential for the future workforce. “We want our TVET programmes not only to remain relevant to current market demands but to always be a step ahead, anticipating the needs of the future job market,” he adds.
At the heart of MSU’s achievements lies Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri’s leadership philosophy, which is deeply anchored in the transformative power of education. “If we want to transform society, the best thing we can invest in is education,” he states. “It is the most powerful tool for social mobility, economic growth, and community well-being.”
He explains that every decision at MSU is guided by its motto, Transforming Lives, Enriching Future, and by a firm commitment to equal access to affordable, high-quality education. Talent development is also a major part of his leadership spirit, along with cultivating innovation, integrity, and continuous improvement among staff and students alike.
When asked about his vision for MSU’s future, Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri describes a university that would not only be globally recognised for its rankings and academic standing but also for its social impact. “In five years, I see MSU as a premier global university producing graduates who are both future-ready and value-grounded,” he says.
He also foresees a digitally empowered MSU with strong international engagement and industry collaboration, driving innovation in education while continuing to expand access for underserved communities. “Inclusivity and equity will remain at the core of our mission,” he says, aligning this commitment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As the interview session draws to a close, Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri pauses to reflect on the essence of MSU’s journey. He reiterates that the university’s mission has always been to transform lives and enrich the future, not just through academic achievement but through a broader commitment to society. “Our responsibility is not just to educate,” he says, “but to inspire, to innovate, and to make a difference. That is what defines us as MSUrians.”
Under his leadership, MSU has grown into an institution of global standing, deeply rooted in values yet firmly focused on the future. It continues to serve as an inspiration of how education, guided by purpose and vision, can transform individuals and societies alike.
-NIAGATIMES
