Testimonials - Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

Homa Edalati Fard, Iran

MEd (Educational Technology) Faculty of Computer Science & Information System

When I came to Malaysia and studied at UTM, the experience completely changed my life. It broadened my horizons and made me think about more than just what is in my immediate surroundings.

At first, it was a culture shock for me. However, after that I realised it was quite a character-building experience to have to fit in with other cultures. The people here were so kind and supportive. They were always ready to help others.

As for UTM, the University of Technology, it is fully equipped and is an excellent center of academic and technological studies.

As a graduate student with two awards based on excellent academic achievement, I owe all my success entirely to the staff and students of UTM.

Ammar Abdo, Yemen

PhD, (Computer Science) Faculty of Computer Science & Information System

I started thinking of pursuing my postgraduate study overseas in 2004, and I began contacting many universities around the world and many of these had high tuition fees. Fortunately, I found UTM which offered me an admission to postgraduate studies with affordable fees. However, I chose UTM not only because of the low fees but also for its international reputation for learning, teaching and research.

The main campus of UTM is located in Johor Bahru city, which is a great city in Malaysia and shares its borders with Singapore. However, UTM campus is around 20km from Johor Bahru city, which makes UTM a tranquil place for study i.e. away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

I have spent around four years completing my master and PhD degrees in UTM. In UTM you will receive support from all academic and non academic staff. Many facilities for students are available at UTM such as a sports center, student accommodation, library, study rooms, internet, computer labs, health center, counselling center and many more. In addition, UTM provides access to a wealth of information resources to support teaching and research.

It is really a great opportunity for me to be here. I have received a lot of support from my lecturers and supervisors during my study, and because of that, I had the honour of becoming the first international student to receive the Chancellor’s Award, a prestigious award for a student in UTM. Not only that, I also received the Best Student Award for 2010.

UTM is really a very beautiful place for study with a high standard in excellent teaching and research facilities. Finally, I wholly recommend UTM as a first choice for further studies.

Kusay Faisal Al-tabatabai, United Kingdom

Masters Degree in Telecommunications and Electronic Engineering, 2 Years

My name is Kusay Faisal Al-tabatabaie from the United Kingdom. I came to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to take a Masters degree in Telecommunications and Electronics Engineering. I chose to study a taught course (MELA1AJA).

The best thing about UTM is its friendly atmosphere and people. I have never felt alone and am treated like any other Malaysian. There is a sense of belonging even though I do not speak their language. During my study here, I was elected the president of the postgraduate students in my course.

At the same time, my friends elected me to be the vice president of the International Postgraduate Students Society (IPSS) where I helped organise and arrange various activities at UTM.

UTM is a high standard university with excellent research facilities. In my spare time, I spend my time at the gym and sports complex which is one of the main facilities offered to UTM students.

Joseph Danasabe Dodo, Nigeria

PhD (Geomatic Engineering)

I got to know about UTM through the Internet when the hunger for a higher degree became obvious. I began my studies in the first semester of the 2006/2007 academic session. I was drawn to UTM for my PhD research programme primarily because of the University‘s strive of becoming a world-class University, its international reputation for scholarly research, plus its excellent teaching and learning facilities especially in the field of Geomatic Engineering, as the leading force in South-East Asia.

I have found studying in UTM very rewarding both academically and in the social scene. The facilities and support that the University provides for my research work are first-class. The highly knowledgeable and friendly lecturers are always available to attend to any of my slightest problem, academic or otherwise.

The support I receive from my supervisor is quite overwhelming, combined with the University’s emphasis on achievement and hard work, makes my research programme academically stimulating with each day that passes, bringing me closer and closer to my ambition. The University has an excellent library that would rival any top US University. The social facilities and student support services, especially for the overseas students go an extra mile. The International Postgraduate Student Society for which I am the current General Secretary is at the forefront - ensuring a conducive atmosphere, fostering peace and unity among different nationals through different activities such as picnics to ease off tension (academically and psychologically) and serves as a bridge between the students and the School of Graduate Studies.

The University accommodation provides a quiet atmosphere for postgraduate students; it is affordable and has constant Internet access in the rooms which is very useful. The tuition fees and living expenses are quite affordable for an average student. I will not forget to mention the beautiful city of Johor Bahru, which shares its boundary with Singapore. Its inhabitants are very friendly.

In conclusion, the opportunity to study at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has allowed me to develop and maximise my technical knowledge in Geomatics Engineering. In return, I intend to use this knowledge to make a concrete and substantial contribution to the development of my country and profession.

I recommend Universiti Teknologi Malaysia as a first choice for further studies.

Kusmiyati, Indonesia

Ph.D (Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering), 3 years

As a PhD student at the Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering, UTM, I found the research facilities and laboratories outstanding and well-equipped.? The IT and library services provide easy access to international journals.? With these excellent support facilities for my research sponsored by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia (MOSTI), I am able to publish my research findings in well-known refereed journals.

Muhammad Adil Khattak, Pakistan

Ph.D (Mechanical Engineering), 3 years

I found Malaysia to be reasonably competitive when compared to other countries in this region in terms of finance and environment - the main reason why I am here at UTM for my doctorate research.? Students here have easy access to technical facilities as well as the knowledge and expertise of the staff.? Living on campus for family is simply perfect.? I strongly recommend UTM and Malaysia to all students as their choice for further studies.

Abdulmajid Al-Jilani Rahuma, Libya

Ph.D Technology Management, 3 years

I had a brilliant time at UTM and loved every aspect of Malaysia. My time at UTM was unique as the place made me feel very much at home. The University’s management and excellent academic system contributed to the conducive international community atmosphere. In terms of my faculty, the Faculty of Management and Human Resource Development, I did enjoy my academic time there and had never regretted my choice.