Multimedia University

Multimedia University

Universiti Multimedia (Malay)
Other names	Universiti Telekom Sdn.Bhd., MMU
Former names	Institute of Telecommunication and Information Technology (1994-1996) Telekom University (UniTELE) (1996-1999)
Motto	Inquire, inspire and innovate
Type	Private (Government-linked company status)
Established	1996 (as a university)
Chancellor	Zaki Azmi
President	Mazliham Mohd Su'ud
Pro-Chancellor	Zakri Abdul Hamid
Location	Malaysia 2°14′56″N 102°16′37″E
Campus	Ayer Keroh, Cyberjaya
Colours	Blue and red
Mascot	The eBee
Website	www.mmu.edu.my

Multimedia University (MMU), is a private research university in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. Founded in 1997, it is the first private university within Malaysia and is a member of The Alliance of Government Linked Universities (GLU).

In 1996, the government of Malaysia initiated efforts to liberalize the country's higher education sector and engage the private education industry in advancing human capital development. Consequently, the Ministry of Education sought an established private entity to spearhead the pilot project for the establishment of a university. In October 1996, Telekom Malaysia was granted the distinction by the Ministry of Education to establish Malaysia's inaugural private university. This decision underscored the government's confidence in Telekom Malaysia's capacity to lead the privatization of higher education. Building upon the foundation of the existing ITTM campuses operated by Telekom Malaysia, the company accepted the invitation, resulting in the establishment of Universiti Telekom in Melaka.

The university is structured across two primary campuses: the main campus in Cyberjaya and the Melaka campus. At the Cyberjaya campus, there are seven faculties, each dedicated to specific academic disciplines. Meanwhile, the Melaka campus comprises four faculty divisions. Coordinating the graduate studies across both campuses is The Institute for Postgraduate Studies (IPS), which collaborates closely with the various faculties to facilitate advanced academic programs and research initiatives. Additionally, under the purview of the Center for Diploma Programs division, MMU offers diploma programs tailored to each faculty's expertise.

History

Multimedia University Cyberjaya Campus

In 1994, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), established the Institute of Telecommunication and Information Technology (ITTM) in Taiping, Perak. The first campus was established on TM's former northern region office where the first batch of 42 students were selected to undergo an experimental two-year telecommunication engineering diploma program. In 1996, with the academic success of the first two batches, TM was invited by the Ministry of Education to set up the first private university in Malaysia. ITTM was granted university status and renamed itself to Universiti Telekom.

In 1997, The Malacca campus was set up in the Ayer Keroh town. The setting up of the campus involved redeveloping and repurposing of the former TM southern region office. TM was offered by the Government of Malaysia to establish a university in MSC Malaysia (abbreviation of Multimedia Super Corridor) to catalyse the MSC program. A campus was set up in Cyberjaya and opened on 8 July 1999. The relationship between the Cyberjaya campus and the MSC is intended to be similar to the relationship between Stanford University and Silicon Valley. As a result, the university changed its name from Universiti Telekom to Multimedia University.

In 2013, MMU established a third campus in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, specializing in cinematic arts in collaboration with the University of Southern California (USC)'s School of Cinematic Arts (SCA). In 2021, the cinematics arts programs, under the Faculty of Cinematic Arts, were relocated to Cyberjaya.

The Chancellery, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya Campus

Campus

MMU has two main campuses in Cyberjaya and Melaka. The Cyberjaya campus was founded in 1999 and is the main campus after becoming MMU. It is located in the smart city of Cyberjaya, known as the Silicon Valley of Malaysia. The Cyberjaya campus has seven faculties, namely the Faculty of Engineering (FOE), Faculty of Computing & Informatics (FCI), Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM), Faculty of Cinematic Arts (FCA), Faculty of Applied Communication (FAC) and Faculty of Management (FOM).

The Melaka campus was founded in 1997 and is the secondary campus of MMU. It is located in Bukit Beruang which is close to the historic city of Melaka. The Melaka campus has four faculties, namely the Faculty of Engineering & Technology (FET), Faculty of Information Science & Technology (FIST), Faculty of Business (FOB) and Faculty of Law (FOL). The Melaka campus also has a Centre for Foundation Studies and Extension Education that offers foundation and diploma programs.

Multimedia University, Malacca campus

The university is equipped with facilities such as ASTRO lab (FCM), SiRi lab (FOM), Innov8 Lab (FCI), Ideas lab (FOE), E Moot Court (FOL ), SMART Intelligent Lab (FIST), Bio Informatics Lab (FIST), iBiz Lab (FOB) and iTrade Lab (FOB) as well as numerous computer and specialist labs. There is a 200-capacity industry-grade cinema, sound stage and recording studio, audio studio, foley studio (sound effects), motion capture studio, e-Gallery for exhibitions, VR laboratory and indoor/outdoor aquaponics farms.

Swimming pool of Multimedia University, Cyberjaya Campus

Both campuses provide accommodation both on-campus and off-campus, as well as digital libraries and extensive infrastructure such campus-wide Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, food and beverage outlets and more. Other available facilities are comprehensive the sports centre – track & field, indoor sports arena, gym, tennis court, squash courts as well as an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Siti Hasmah Digital Library

The Siti Hasmah Digital Library is the main library of MMU with branches in both of the Cyberjaya and Melaka campuses. Its roots can be traced back to the early days when Universiti TELEKOM, MMU's predecessor, inaugurated its first campus in Bukit Beruang Ayer Keroh, Melaka, Malaysia. Originally known as the Universiti TELEKOM Library (UNITELE Library), this library served as a vital resource hub within the Melaka Campus and accommodated approximately 600 students. MMU Melaka Library shifted to a new and improved facility in May 2000, expanding its capabilities and offerings. Subsequently, in 1999, MMU ventured into Selangor, Malaysia, with the establishment of another Multimedia University Library. This second library, named the Siti Hasmah Digital Library, achieved distinction as the nation's first Academic University Digital Library upon its official inauguration on July 24, 2000. The libraries of both campuses were soon unified under the SIti Hasmah Digital Library banner in name and administration.

Public transit

MMU Cyberjaya is located in the smart city of Cyberjaya, which is well-connected by various modes of public transportation. The 12 Putrajaya Line has two stations within the vicinity of the Cyberjaya campus accessible by feeder bus or car. The Rapid KL SP398 route services the Cyberjaya campus at the  PY39  Cyberjaya Utara MRT Station. The second station,  PY40  Cyberjaya City Center MRT Station, can be accessed by e-hailing services, taxi, or exchanging busses as the feeder bus does not directly service the campus for this station. The Melaka campus is served by the Panorama Melaka 24A route at Melaka Sentral.

Former Johor Campus

MMU Johor was established in 2013 at Iskandar Puteri, Johor as a branch campus of MMU to facilitate the creation of a cinematic arts undergraduate program alongside the Faculty of Cinematic Arts division under a consultancy agreement with University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. It was located in the Multi-Varsity Enterprise Building at EduCity alongside a few other institutions. Having a close proximity to the then Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios would've allowed students a hands-on experience in filmmaking before graduation. However, due to unknown reasons, the campus was closed down in 2021 and the faculty was moved to the main campus in Cyberjaya.

Multimedia College

Multimedia College (MMC), previously known as Telekom Training College, traces its origins back to 1948 when it was established as a national provider of telecommunications training in Malaysia. Located primarily at Jalan Gurney Kiri/Jalan Semarak Kuala Lumpur, MMC underwent a significant transformation in 2000, transitioning into a Private Institution of Higher Learning. This pivotal transition also involved a change in nomenclature from Telekom Training College to Multimedia College, aimed at broadening its appeal beyond serving solely Telekom staff.

As a subsidiary of Multimedia University (MMU), MMC played a vital role as a feeder institution for MMU, offering students a direct pathway into MMU upon the successful completion of diploma programs offered at MMC. While MMC's primary campus was situated in Kuala Lumpur, it extended its educational presence with five branch campuses located in Malacca, Taiping, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu.

However, commencing in 2017, MMC ceased its operations, marking the conclusion of its educational legacy.

Organization and administration

Multimedia University (MMU) is a private for-profit corporation managed by the a board of directors in strict accordance with the requirements of the Act and the Companies Act 2016. The board of directors has powers in regulating, controlling, and managing the finances of the University.

The leadership structure at MMU comprises a Pro-Chancellor, Board of Directors, Board of Governors, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Senate, and Management Committee. Professor Dato’ Dr. Mazliham Mohd Su’ud currently holds the position of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at MMU, assuming office on August 3, 2020. His appointment followed the conclusion of his predecessor's term on the mentioned date. Complementing this leadership, MMU features three Vice Presidents responsible for pivotal university domains: Prof. Ir. Dr. Hairul Azhar Abdul Rashid as Vice President for Academic and Innovative Learning (VP AIR), Prof. Dr. Wong Eng Kiong as Vice President for Market Exploration, Engagement, and Touchpoint (VP MEET), and Ms. Hayati Othman as Vice President for Student Experience and Entrepreneurship Development (VP SEED).

Faculties and academic structure

MMU encompasses ten faculties and one institute dedicated to postgraduate studies, offering a diverse range of diploma, undergraduate, graduate and professional academic programs. These faculties include the Faculty of Computing and Informatics (FCI), Faculty of Cinematic Arts (FCA), Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FAC), Faculty of Business (FOB), Faculty of Engineering (FOE), Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FTMK), Faculty of Management (FOM), Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM), Faculty of Information Science and Technology (FIST), Faculty of Law (FOL), and the Centre for Foundation Studies and Extension Education (CFSEE). The Institute for Postgraduate Studies (IPS) oversees postgraduate education.

Each faculty is led by a dean responsible for managing academic and research affairs within the respective faculty. Additionally, several deputy deans support the dean in their duties. Within each faculty, there are several academic departments, each headed by a department manager. Each academic department, in turn, offers a diverse array of academic programs, each of which is under the guidance of a program coordinator. These programs are composed of multiple courses, and they are taught by a team of highly qualified and experienced lecturers for graduate and undergraduate students, and younger and fresh lecturers for the diploma program. This organizational framework ensures effective management and delivery of educational programs across the university.

Faculty of Computing & Informatics and Faculty of Science and Technology

MMU began with a single computing faculty known as the Faculty of Information Technology (FIT) in 1997. After the establishment of the Cyberjaya campus in 1999, FIT was split into the Faculty of Information Science and Technology (FIST) based in the Ayer Keroh campus, and Faculty of Computing & Informatics (FCI), the grey building next to FOM, based in the Cyberjaya campus. FIST offers undergraduate programs with majors in data communications and networking, security technology, artificial intelligence, business intelligence & analytics and bioinformatics. The undergraduate programs in FCI offers specialisations in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity and game development. In 2000, The Microsoft IT Academy of Multimedia University founded by Microsoft for training and development programs, including a Windows DNA lab during a visit by Bill Gates to endorse high-tech hub in Cyberjaya. The Faculty has strong collaborations with multi-national companies such as ZTE, Huawei, Nokia, Intel, Microsoft (Microsoft IT Academy), Cisco (Cisco Networking Academy), Motorola, Oracle Workforce Development Program, Novell Academic Training Partner, Linux Professional Institute and EC-Council. Almost all lecturers and tutors of undergraduate courses in this department have PhD degrees with few exceptions for highly experienced lecturers in their field.

Faculty of Business and Faculty of Management

The Faculty of Business (FOB) is based in Malacca. It offers programs in knowledge management, marketing management, international business, human resource management, banking & finance, and accounting. The Faculty of Management (FOM), based in the Cyberjaya campus, offers programs in accounting, financial engineering, finance, marketing, management, and economics.

Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Engineering & Technology

The Faculty of Engineering (FOE) is based in Cyberjaya. It offers bachelor's degrees accredited by the Washington Accord in electrical, electronics, computer, telecommunications, nanotechnology, and optical engineering. The Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), based in Malacca offers courses in electronics and mechanical engineering. The majors offered by the FET Electronics Engineering courses are robotics & automation, and telecommunications. All engineering courses in Malacca are also accredited by the Washington Accord.

Faculty of Creative Multimedia and Faculty of Cinematic Arts

The Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM), based in the Cyberjaya was established in 1999. Prior to that, it was based in the Malacca campus and known as the Faculty of Media Arts and Science. The Cyberjaya campus offers programs in animation and visual effects, advertising design, media arts, virtual reality, and interface design. The Johor campus was established in 2013 to offer the cinematic arts program, which was designed in collaboration with the University of Southern California. The Faculty of Cinematic Arts (FCA) was later established and relocated to the Cyberjaya campus within the FCM building.

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law (FOL) is based in Malacca. The university's law program was formerly a part of the business faculty, then known as the Faculty of Business and Law, before establishing as its own independent faculty in 2013. FOL students are fully exempted from taking the CLP examination.

Faculty of Applied Communication

The Faculty of Applied Communication (FAC) was established in 2016 from its origin as the Learning Institute for Empowerment (LiFE). It currently houses three programmes: Foundation in Communication, Diploma in Applied Communication and Bachelor of Communication (Strategic Communication). FAC underscores the discipline of communication which integrates both theoretical knowledge and real-life practices to enhance human communication.

Academics

MMU is a small, mostly residential research university with a majority of enrollments in undergraduate programs. MMU operates on a trimester-based academic calendar system marked by varying term durations. The first and second trimesters, which typically last approximately 4.6 months each, have flexible start dates that change annually. Trimester 1 often commences in either February or March, concluding in June or July, while Trimester 2 begins in June or July and ends around October or November. Conversely, the third and final trimester is of shorter duration, about 2.8 months, and usually begins in either October or November.

Accreditation

The university is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), and its predecessor the LNA (Lembaga Akreditasi Negara), ever since its establishment in 1996. Additionally, the university's engineering programs are recognized by the Engineering Accreditation Council, Board of Engineers Malaysia (EAC), and the Engineering Technology Accreditation Council (ETAC). The Bachelor of Accounting program at MMU is duly recognized by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.

Admissions

MMU offers a diverse range of academic programs spanning foundation, diploma, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in the fields of technology and multimedia. Additionally, MMU provides opportunities for lifelong learning through programs like APEL.A, APEL.C, and Micro-Credentials. Prospective students only require a valid email address to initiate their applications.MMU's global appeal is evident in its diverse student body of over 22,000, which includes 4,700 international students from 80 countries. Furthermore, across ten convocations, MMU has successfully graduated 22,840 students.

The MMU admission process typically involves a series of steps, including program selection, online application form completion, payment of application fees, submission of required supporting documents, tracking the application status, and final registration. In particular, applicants pursuing programs within the Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM) and Faculty of Cinematic Arts (FCA) may encounter additional admission criteria, which can include an art test and interview. International students must adhere to the visa and immigration prerequisites outlined by Malaysian authorities.

International Programs

Articulation Program

The Articulation Program at MMU provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to enhance their educational experience by studying at partner universities through articulation programs. Students from the Faculty of Creative Multimedia and Faculty of Cinematic Arts can benefit from articulation with the Manchester School of Art at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). This articulation program offers pathways from Multimedia University to BA (Hons) Animation and BA (Hons) Film Production at Manchester Metropolitan University. Students from the Faculty of Business (FOB) can also enjoy the benefits of articulation with partner universities such as the University of Essex, University of Northumbria, Manchester Metropolitan University, Anglia Ruskin University, Western Sydney University, University of Hull, and University of Southern Queensland. Additionally, students from the Faculty of Management (FOM) can benefit from articulation with partner universities like the University of Essex and the University of Hull. Students from the Faculty of Engineering (FOE) can also enjoy articulation opportunities with partner universities such as the University of Essex, University of Queensland, and Deakin University.

Rankings

University rankings
Global – Overall
QS World	1001-1200 (2022)
THE World	601-800 (2022)
Regional – Overall
QS Asia	207 (2023)
THE Asia	401-500 (2023)

MMU has been consistently ranked among the top 1001-1200 universities globally in the QS World University Rankings 2023. MMU's achieved the 189th position in Asia in the QS Asia University Rankings 2022, marking an improvement from the previous year and placing it within the top 28% among 675 evaluated institutions. Additionally, MMU has gained recognition in the global academic landscape, securing a position among the top 601-800 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2022, which evaluates universities' contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. On the national front, MMU is ranked 14th among the best universities in Malaysia for 2023, according to THE. In 2020, MMU was awarded the 5 Stars in SETARA 2019 (Very Competitive), a ranking/rating carried out by the Ministry of Education Malaysia to assess Malaysia's universities and colleges in teaching, research, and service.

MMU has garnered recognition for its academic excellence in specific fields. Notably, it has consistently secured a global ranking between 151-200 in computer science and electrical engineering according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject from 2014 to 2017 consecutively. Additionally, MMU achieved a global ranking between 401-500 in communication and media studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2019. Furthermore, in 2020, MMU earned a global ranking between 301-400 in the field of education, as per THE World University Rankings by Subject.

MMU has gained recognition as a preferred institution among employers in Malaysia based on a survey conducted by Talentbank. In various fields, including communication and broadcasting, computer science and IT, electrical and electronic engineering, and mechanical engineering, MMU has been awarded a 6-star employability rating. Additionally, in areas such as accounting, advertising, arts and design, banking, business management, economics, human resource management, and law, MMU received a 5-star employability rating.

Research

Multimedia University actively engages in research and innovation. The Research Management Centre (RMC) at MMU serves as a hub for the storage and management of research grants, as well as an information center for statistics related to R&I activities at MMU. This center also plays a pivotal role in facilitating and supporting research activities, managing and monitoring research fund utilization, processing internal and external funding applications, and organizing research workshops and seminars.

MMU also has a Technology Transfer Office (TTO) responsible for commercializing research outcomes generated by MMU's academic staff through technology transfer to industries.

MMU is proactive in collaborating with various entities to enhance research and innovation activities at the university. For instance, MMU has established collaborations with the University of Technology Brunei to undertake joint research projects.

Student Life

Residential Life

MMU provides various accommodation options for students who require housing in proximity to the campuses. On-campus, MMU offers dormitories with shared rooms equipped with basic amenities such as beds, study tables, wardrobes, fans, and internet access. The on-campus dormitories also feature additional facilities including TV rooms, laundry rooms, pantries, water dispensers, and prayer rooms. On-campus dormitories are overseen by MMU's Student Housing Unit.

Outside the campus, MMU offers off-campus accommodation in apartments equipped with more comprehensive amenities such as refrigerators, water heaters, air conditioning, washing machines, kitchens, and internet access. These off-campus apartments also provide additional facilities like swimming pools, gyms, squash courts, convenience stores, and cleaning services. Off-campus apartments are managed by external management companies in collaboration with MMU.

MMU also offers free shuttle bus services for students residing off-campus to and from the campus during specified hours. Students seeking on-campus or off-campus housing can contact MMU's Student Housing Unit or the relevant external management companies.

Students can also enjoy other facilities provided by the university, including libraries, 24-hour learning centers, counseling centers, cafes, bookstores, ATMs, prayer rooms, and hostels. The university also offers services such as free shuttle buses, free Wi-Fi, security systems, and student management systems.

Students can also participate in sports and recreational activities provided by the Sports and Recreation Center (SRC) at each campus. There are sports facilities such as badminton courts, football fields, volleyball courts, basketball courts, netball courts, tennis courts, swimming pools, and sports halls. Students can join university sports teams or engage in sports casually with friends. Some of the sports offered include badminton, football, handball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, table tennis, silat, and taekwondo.

Clubs and Associations

Students have the opportunity to join clubs and associations based on their interests, talents, religion, nationality, culture, and welfare. There are over 100 active clubs and associations at both the Cyberjaya and Melaka campuses. Some popular clubs and associations include the University Peer Group (UPG), Japanese Cultural Society (JCS), Cycling Club (Nakayo), IT Society (ITSOC), Chinese Language Society (CLS), Outdoor & Recreational Activities Society (OARS), Comic Club (Comination), Korean Cultural Society (KCS), D.I.C.E, and MMU Game Developers Club (GDC).

MMU also hosts the Club and Society Registration Week (CSRW) at the beginning of each trimester, where all clubs and associations have the opportunity to showcase their objectives and efforts, recruit new members, and engage in various activities, including briefings, study groups, food sales, intramural sports teams, and fundraising events.

Student Media

MMU Student Press is an online newspaper run by students, covering campus news, events, opinions, and features. MMU Student Press was established in 2020 and has branches on both the Cyberjaya and Melaka campuses, where they are referred to as the Editorial Squad.

RadioMMU is a student radio station and club that broadcasts music, entertainment, and information to the MMU community. RadioMMU features members of the Deejay Club as on-air deejays in two languages: English and Mandarin. The RadioMMU studio is located on the lower floor of the Faculty of Engineering (FOE) building at the MMU Cyberjaya campus in Selangor, Malaysia. This radio station is an essential edutainment unit of the university designed to serve students and the wider community by providing sensational music and information using Internet Radio technology. First broadcasted via the Internet in June 1998, Radio MMU was previously known as Radio Unitele, based at Multimedia University Ayer Keroh, Melaka, Malaysia.

Athletics

Within the domain of athletics, MMU boasts active football and rugby teams on its various campuses. The Cyberjaya campus fields men's and women's football teams, competing as Multimedia University FC in the Malaysian University Football League. In contrast, the Melaka campus presents its own men's and women's football teams, participating under the banner of MMU Melaka FC in the Liga Melaka in Division 2, and the Malaysia University Football League. In the realm of rugby, each campus has its own distinctive identity, with the Melaka campus rugby team being referred to as MMU Hornbills and the Cyberjaya campus rugby team adopting the name MMU Ebees, formerly recognized as the Vipers Rugby Club.

In 2023, MMU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KLFA to collaborate on football development. This partnership includes sharing expertise in coaching, fitness, physiotherapy, and tactics, aiming to improve the quality of higher education-level football competitions and support MMU students, particularly those in the MMU Football Club (MMUFC).

Notable Alumni

Since its establishment, Multimedia University has produced over 70,000 outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Notable alumni from this university include Datuk Yasmin Mahmood, former Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC); Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, former Group Chief Editor and Chief Executive Officer of The Star Media Group; and Datuk Seri Dr. Halim Shafie, former Chairman of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM).

In addition to corporate and government figures, the university also boasts renowned alumni in the fields of arts and entertainment, such as Mohd Nizam Abd Razak, CEO of Animonsta Studios Sdn Bhd; Ahmad Fariz Hanapiah, Executive Creative Director and Co-Founder of MOTIOFIXO Sdn Bhd; Ghaz Abu Bakar, Director and Founder of The Media Hustler Sdn Bhd; Muhammad Usamah Zaid Yasin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wau Animation; and Zee Avi, an internationally successful singer and songwriter.

External links

Media related to Multimedia University at Wikimedia Commons

• Official website