USM PENANG, 1 April 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to strengthen its reputation as the nation’s leading research university by recording a significant improvement in the Malaysia Research Assessment (MyRA II) 2025 internal audit (IA) compared to the previous year.

USM’s overall performance showed encouraging progress, with its MyRA II score rising from 90.28 in 2024 to 99.74 in 2025—an increase of 9.46 points (10.48%).

This achievement reflects the effectiveness of the university’s strategies in reinforcing a strong research culture, enhancing the quality of publications, and expanding collaborative networks at both national and international levels.

This marks USM’s best achievement in the past 10 years.

The success was further demonstrated through the outstanding performance of academic Responsibility Centres (PTJ), with 4 PTJs attaining a 6-star rating, 16 PTJs achieving 5 stars, and 9 PTJs recording significant performance improvements.

These accomplishments highlight the capability of USM’s PTJs in advancing high-impact research activities and strategically optimising data and resource management.

To recognise and celebrate this success, a simple MyRA 2025 (IA) Achievement Certificate Presentation Ceremony was held during the monthly meeting between department heads (HODs) and the Vice-Chancellor this afternoon, as a gesture of appreciation to PTJs and academic staff who directly contributed to this excellence.

In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed expressed gratitude to the entire university community for their commitment and dedication in ensuring research excellence continues to be strengthened.

He emphasised that this achievement reflects the maturity and competitiveness of USM’s research ecosystem at the global level.

The performance improvement was driven by several key factors, including the university’s strategic leadership focused on research excellence, increased publications in high-impact journals, strengthened international research collaborations, a more systematic data management system, and the responsiveness and sustained commitment of academic staff alongside administrative support.

Overall, this achievement serves as a catalyst for USM’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its position as a premier research university, in line with national aspirations and global agendas.

Original Text: Professor Dr. Saidatulakmal Mohd, Director, Institutional Planning and Strategic Centre (IPSC), USM/Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Muhamad Faris Darwisy Mohammad Rafiq