Welcome to UM: Prof Noor Azuan (far left) and Zambry (fourth from left) posing for a photo with Izz (centre) and his parents Imil Shahrom (far right) and Ilyah Abdul Aziz (second from left).
A TOTAL of 5,210 new undergraduates for the 2024/2025 academic session marks the highest number of new students registered at Universiti Malaya (UM), the country’s oldest higher education institution.
The students, including 12-year-old prodigy Izz Imil Shahrom, began registering at the varsity in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 28.
Describing it as a “historic moment” UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the large number of new students proves that the varsity remains a preferred choice among Malaysians.
Izz, who will be an undergraduate at the Faculty of Science, underwent an interview process with a special committee established by the university and was approved by its senate to pursue his studies at UM.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said Izz behaves like any other child but is deeply interested in mathematics.
“It turns out that his interest in mathematics is so deep that our conversations revolved around numbers.
“UM already has in place specific plans to facilitate Izz’s learning so that he can study in a good and conducive environment,” he said in a Facebook post on Sept 29.
Describing Izz as cheerful and eloquent, Zambry said he had met the boy’s parents together with Prof Noor Azuan.
Prof Noor Azuan said given the boy’s age, he should be given space to flourish.
“Given Izz’s young age, the university requests that all parties provide space and privacy for the student to go through the learning and adaptation process at the university.
“This is crucial to ensure he experiences a conducive growth process while successfully pursuing his studies,” he said, adding that the varsity welcomed new students from all corners of the country and abroad, including countries like China, Indonesia and Bangladesh.
“I had the opportunity to meet with the parents today, and all of them expressed their happiness that their children have made it to UM,” he said, adding that the varsity would fully commit to producing successful graduates.
Deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs) Prof Dr Zamri Radzi said the UM Week of Welcome concluded on Oct 3, during which the students attended academic and student affairs introductions, engaged in various activities and were taken on tours to their respective faculties.
Sabahan Nurain Farhana Judding arrived on the Peninsula a week early to prepare for her registration at UM.
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences student expressed her gratitude for being accepted into the country’s best university, bringing her one step closer to her dream of becoming successful and helping her family.
Her roommates Mia Nurmaisara Riduan and Nur Alya Atiqah Amran from Kemaman, Terengganu, said they were happy with the facilities and comfort of the rooms provided at the residential college.
