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SATURDAY | JUNE 21, 2025

UTM in top 10% of best varsities globally Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has been ranked 153rd in the QS World University Rankings (QS WUR) 2026, placing it among the top 10% of universities globally and the third best in Malaysia. In a statement, the university announced that it had climbed 28 places compared with 2025, marking a total rise of 50 positions since 2023, strengthening its reputation as a global research university. “UTM recorded significant improvements in several key indicators, including International Research Network, which showed an ascend of 112 spots. In Citations per Faculty, it rose by 45 points,“ it said. Its Academic Reputation indicator rose by eight places, contributing 31.1% to the overall ranking and reflecting the growing international recognition of the institution. The 28-position increase in the Lecturer Student Ratio indicator shows the commitment of the university to delivering excellence in teaching quality and academic support. “This achievement is bolstered by the success of UTM in placing itself at 132nd in the world for International Student Diversity, with students from 85 countries.” QS WUR involved the assessment of 8,467 institutions worldwide, with only 1,501 universities listed based on a rigorous evaluation covering various indicators, including teaching quality, research impact, academic reputation, employer engagement, internationalisation and sustainability. UTM continues to maintain its standing as one of five leading research universities in Malaysia, consistently excelling across core indicators that align with national aspirations and global benchmarks. Its vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim said the achievement reinforces UTM as an innovation-driven research university, with established strengths in science, technology and engineering. “UTM adheres to the mission to humanise and democratise knowledge, while ensuring that the innovations produced truly benefit society,“ he said, adding that the rise of UTM in the global rankings reflects a focused strategy that successfully connects academic excellence with meaningful societal impact. He also said UTM continues to strengthen its commitment to high-impact research, inclusive education and active international engagement. – Bernama JOHOR BAHRU: Universiti

Balloon art hobby blooms into profitable business

o Former flight attendant finds niche in meeting demand for hibiscus, roses and tulips props at events

KUALA LUMPUR: Syed Shahrizal Syed Othman, also known as Abang Belon Cakewhat, can transform balloons into a strikingly lifelike hibiscus flower in about two minutes. “It looks easy, doesn’t it? But it’s not. It took me nearly six months to master it,” he told Bernama during a recent interview. Having spent 17 years in the aviation industry as a flight attendant, Syed Shahrizal said his travels around the world opened his eyes to the creative potential of balloon art. “In countries such as Venezuela, balloon art is incredibly imaginative. I was fascinated by it and felt inspired to bring the idea back home, where

Having dabbled in balloon art for more than a decade, Syed Shahrizal actively practised it during the pandemic when the aviation industry was crippled. What began as a hobby eventually shifted the direction of his life. “During the Covid-19 lockdowns, everyone was confined at home and many customers started requesting surprise deliveries. That’s when the business really took off and I began to see its true potential.” In addition to fulfilling orders, he offers in-person balloon art classes in collaboration with both government and private agencies, including the Community Development Department, with fees starting at RM290. “The classes are divided into three levels, covering theory and practice. We teach from scratch, starting with balloon types, basic tools and flower-forming techniques until participants can create their own decorations,” he said, adding that he also conducts classes in Jakarta, Indonesia. He hopes to see local talent in balloon art gain international recognition, especially given the encouraging response from his followers on social media. To support this growth, he urges the government to invest in the development of the industry through the establishment of a dedicated association and the introduction of vocational training focused on the craft. “Balloon art has become a staple at many events. It requires minimal startup capital but offers high returns. “It would be a missed opportunity not to explore its full potential.”

Shahrizal also creates a wide range of designs such as daisies, sunflowers, roses, tulips, handbags and balloon tunnels for birthdays, weddings and corporate events – making these his signature in the world of balloon art. “However, the challenge lies in the short (display) span of balloons. Sometimes, they deflate within two days. That’s why I developed ‘Absolute Balloon Care,’ a protective formula that extends (the period) to up to 14 days.”

such art is relatively uncommon. “I learned the ‘distortion flower’ technique online and drew heavily from international designs before adapting them to reflect my own style,” he added. His balloon flowers began gaining traction among local and international balloon art communities after he showcased them on his TikTok account, @abangbeloncakewhat, which has more than 70,000 followers. Apart from hibiscus, Syed

Syed Shahrizal said his travels while working in the aviation industry opened his eyes to the creative potential of balloon art. – BERNAMAPIC

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