In an exclusive interview with Top 10 of Asia, 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 driven by conviction rather than chance. Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri explains that the idea to establish the university stemmed from a belief that education must go beyond academic achievement. For him, education should shape individuals who are intelligent, value-driven and grounded in humanity. “From the very beginning, my vision was to build a university that bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands while providing equal academic access to all,” he shares. MSU was founded on the philosophy of transforming lives and enriching the future. Its core mission has always been to produce graduates who are employable, entrepreneurial and globally competitive while remaining rooted in strong values.
“International collaboration is no longer optional—it is essential.”
Since its beginnings as Kolej Universiti Teknologi dan Pengurusan Malaysia (KUTPM) in 2001, MSU has undergone rapid growth. It achieved full university status in 2007, marking an important milestone in shaping Malaysia’s higher education landscape. From a specialised college, MSU has grown into a globally recognised institution with ten satellite campuses nationwide and international branches in Bangalore, Colombo and Jakarta. Today, it offers more than 200 programmes across undergraduate, postgraduate, TVET, micro-credentials and short courses.
“Earning a place in the QS World University Rankings and THE World University Ranking has been a testament to our progress,” says Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri. He sees MSU’s evolution as the story of a local institution becoming globally connected, industry-driven and future-focused.
Central to MSU’s approach is balancing academic excellence with practical, industry-relevant learning. With input from over 3,000 industry partners on the University Industry Advisory Panel, programmes are kept closely aligned with market needs. Students gain hands-on experience through internships, industry projects, entrepreneurship initiatives and global mobility programmes. This integration of theory and practice has contributed to MSU achieving a 99% Graduate Employability rate and 99.7% Graduate Marketability in the Ministry of Higher Education’s 2024 tracer study. Talentbank also named MSU the Employers’ Choice of University for 2025.
“If we want to transform society, the best thing we can invest in is education.”
Recognising that knowledge transcends borders, MSU places strong emphasis on international collaboration. It partners with more than 500 institutions worldwide for joint research, academic cooperation and cultural exchange. Students benefit through the Global Mobility, Leadership and Internship Programmes, which offer opportunities in over 40 countries. With learners from more than 75 nations, MSU provides a rich multicultural environment, further supported by the SMILE scholarship that ensures global exposure remains accessible.
Looking ahead, MSU aims to expand its research ecosystem and strengthen its leadership in digital health, green technology, artificial intelligence and TVET. “If we want to transform society, the best thing we can invest in is education,” he asserts. Guided by its motto, Transforming Lives, Enriching Future, MSU remains committed to inclusivity, industry relevance and global connectivity.
In the next five years, Prof Tan Sri Dr Shukri envisions MSU becoming a premier global university known not only for its rankings but also for its social impact. As he reflects on MSU’s journey, he emphasises that its purpose has always been to inspire, innovate and make a difference—values that continue to define MSUrians today.