Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) must remain accessible to Malay and Bumiputera youths from low-income and rural backgrounds as a gateway to social mobility, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah emphasized at the UiTM 2026 Royal Address held today at Dewan Konsert Seri Budiman [1, 2, 3]. He said, "The children of farmers, fishermen, drivers, factory workers, or poor rural families must continue to be assured that if they have the ability and determination to pursue knowledge, UiTM will provide the path to transform their future. That is the core spirit of UiTM's struggle that must never be lost." [1] Sultan Sharafuddin proposed developing a system for alumni to contribute at least RM10 a month or RM100 a year to support UiTM's development. He added, "I believe a RM10 monthly contribution is not burdensome and can be afforded by every alumnus. Consider it a sacrifice to ensure the continuity and progress of UiTM." This could potentially raise up to RM100 million annually to fund the institution [1, 2, 3].
Established in 1965 with about 219 students and 11 lecturers, UiTM quickly expanded within a decade to nearly 7,000 students and about 1,000 staff, offering 60 academic programs across multiple branch campuses [1, 2, 3]. Today, UiTM produces more than 40,000 graduates annually and has an alumni network exceeding one million people [1, 2, 3].
The government affirmed it will continue upholding UiTM as a key institution for the educational, professional, and socioeconomic development of the Bumiputera community and protect its founding mandate [4, 5, 6]. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said, "The government will continue to defend UiTM as a key institution in the educational, professional and socioeconomic development of the Bumiputera community." He further stated, "Defending UiTM does not mean merely preserving what already exists. Instead, we must continue to strengthen, empower and advance it." [4]
UiTM is envisioned to develop as a "Premier University Driving Bumiputera Professionals," maintaining high standards of excellence with broad national and global contributions, according to officials [4, 5, 6]. The UiTM Rationalisation Coordination Committee (URCC), chaired by Tan Sri Idris Jusoh, has been established to review academic programs, research, governance, talent development, industry links, internationalisation, and readiness for future challenges [4, 5, 6].
Today’s events featured Sultan Sharafuddin, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, and Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin [1, 4, 2, 5, 3]. The government and university leadership are expected to further discuss implementation of the alumni contribution system in the coming months to support UiTM’s continued growth and development.
