KUALA LUMPUR – Universiti Malaya (UM) will collaborate with a consortium of government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to develop the UM Student Residence, which will be implemented in two phases and is expected to be completed by 2023.
The first phase will be undertaken by PBLT Sdn Bhd, while the second phase will involve collaboration with Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) and Sime Darby Property Berhad.
The project was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today.
In a statement, UM said the UM Student Residence development would be implemented in two phases, with a planned total capacity to accommodate up to 40,000 students.
The first phase, which is expected to be completed in 2030, will provide accommodation for 10,000 students, while the second phase is planned to accommodate an additional 30,000 students.
“The residence will offer four accommodation categories to meet the varying needs of students, namely Standard, with five rooms for 10 occupants; Standard Premium, with three rooms for six occupants; Apartment, with two rooms for three occupants; and Studio, for one occupant.
“Each accommodation category is also planned to be equipped with air-conditioning facilities to enhance residents’ comfort.
“According to UM, the provision of various accommodation options reflects the university’s approach to developing more flexible, comfortable and suitable residential facilities to meet students’ living needs, while supporting the university’s long-term efforts to strengthen its campus living ecosystem.
“Meanwhile, UM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Seri Ir Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the development of the Student Residence reflected the university’s priority of ensuring that student welfare continued to receive attention alongside efforts to strengthen academic and research excellence.
“We cannot talk about excellence in higher education without paying attention to the realities of student life. The need for comfortable, safe and affordable accommodation must be part of the university’s development priorities.
“Through the Student Residence, UM wants to ensure that campus development is not focused solely on academic infrastructure, but also delivers tangible benefits to students’ daily lives,” he said.
He said the UM Student Residence was planned around a community living concept, combining residential facilities with social interaction spaces and community activities. The approach aims to create an environment that encourages character development, social relationships and a sense of togetherness, thereby enriching students’ experiences throughout their studies.
The development of the Student Residence is also linked to the higher education infrastructure development agenda under the Malaysia Plan.
He said the phased implementation would also create opportunities for strategic cooperation with various parties, including potential participation by a consortium of government-linked investment companies (GLICs), to explore viable and sustainable development models.
“The implementation of the UM Student Residence Project is expected to be an important step towards strengthening accommodation capacity and enhancing the campus living experience, in line with the university’s commitment to ensuring that institutional development continues to benefit current and future generations of students,” he said. – October 15, 2026