As the nation celebrates its independence, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) reflects on its own 22-year journey, marked by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to nation-building.
Among UniKL’s esteemed institutions, the UniKL Malaysia France Institute (UniKL MFI) stands out with a remarkable story of transformation.
Once perceived as a secondary choice, it has risen to become a leader in producing industry-ready graduates, reflecting Malaysia’s evolving educational landscape.
With Malaysia celebrating 67 years of independence, UniKL MFI has also played a significant role in the country’s success. The institute has consistently adapted to the nation’s evolving needs while preserving its core identity.
We had the privilege of speaking with Mohd Zaki Mohamed, one of the pioneering figures at UniKL MFI. He has been with the institute since its inception in 1995, well before it became part of the broader UniKL family in 2002.
“From a modest beginning where the challenge was merely to attract students to an unknown institution, UniKL MFI has evolved into a benchmark for technical education in Malaysia,” he recalled with pride.
Now serving as the Deputy Dean of UniKL MFI, Mohd Zaki oversees the vital International, Industrial, and Institutional Partnership (IIIP) sector.
Reflecting on the institute’s journey, he noted, “With age comes maturity, and our evolution has been no different. Initially, our programmes were limited to diploma levels, but joining UniKL necessitated the development of bachelor programmes.”
He emphasizes the significance of embracing change. “We were comfortable in our zone, but moving forward demanded a collective effort. Automotive, welding quality, and industrial refrigeration were among the first bachelor programmes introduced.”
To align with the nation’s evolving focus on high-tech industries, UniKL MFI’s educational programmes must be dynamic and adaptable. Implementing these changes involves significant challenges and responsibilities, a fact that Mohd Zaki fully acknowledges.
“There comes a point where we must adapt to align with industry demands and national needs. For instance, when we first started, few universities offered technical programmes.
“However, since 2020, many institutions have entered this field. Our challenge now is to adapt and stay competitive, not just in contributing to national development but also in maintaining our edge against other institutions,” he explained.
His dedication and contributions to UniKL MFI are deeply meaningful and memorable. Although transitioning from a standalone MFI to being part of UniKL came with challenges, it also created valuable and cherished experiences.
“The atmosphere was quite different back then. When we were known simply as ‘MFI,’ we operated independently. Joining UniKL introduced new dynamics, including a central headquarters. While it was not necessarily difficult, it did require us to adapt and embrace the change,” he said.
Reflecting on his cherished memories, Mohd Zaki fondly recalls the Dewan Perdana project, a true team effort by the institute’s early members.
“The hall did not have air conditioning back then, so we took it upon ourselves to tackle the issue,” he said with a smile. “We told the management, ‘Let us handle it.’ With our industry experience and confidence, we knew we could manage the project effectively. And we did just that.”
They installed the air conditioning system at a fraction of the cost of outsourcing the work.
“I am particularly proud that the system we installed in 1998 is still running perfectly today,” he added with evident satisfaction.
With nearly three decades of dedication to UniKL MFI and UniKL as a whole, Mohd Zaki has earned notable recognition, including his appointment as Pakar Negara under Skills Malaysia—a role that supports and elevates exceptional youth and skilled workers.
Today, UniKL MFI remains a proud pillar among the 13 institutions under the UniKL umbrella. As we approach UniKL’s 22nd anniversary, the university continues to embody the spirit of ‘Jiwa Merdeka,’ driving high aspirations in nation-building and leading with vision and commitment.
