10.6 – Measures against discrimination

10.6.3 – Access to University Underrepresented Groups Recruit

UKM is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, with a focus on recruiting underrepresented groups such as ethnic minorities and staff with disabilities. In 2024, the university employed 8,815 staff members, including 142 ethnic minority staff, ensuring meaningful representation and equal opportunities for these groups. UKM’s workforce proudly includes members from diverse ethnic communities such as the Iban, Bajau, and Bugis, including among its academic staff, reflecting the university’s strong commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels.

In alignment with the Inclusion Policy for Higher Education Institutions, which mandates that 1% of staff must be individuals with disabilities, UKM employed 53 staff members with disabilities, making up 0.6% of the workforce. While below the 1% target, UKM is committed to increasing this representation. The university’s focus on diversity ensures that all staff, regardless of background or disability, are treated equally and have opportunities to thrive.

1. Ethnic Minority Groups

Minority ethnic groups in Malaysia refer to communities whose populations are smaller compared to the major ethnic groups such as Malays, Chinese, and Indians. These groups consist of various communities with unique cultures, languages, and traditions, making Malaysia a nation rich in cultural diversity. In Sabah, one of the states in Peninsular Malaysia, there are ethnic communities such as the Bajau, Kadazan-Dusun and Murut, while in Sarawak, groups like the Iban, Bidayuh and Melanau make up a significant part of the local population. 

UKM currently employs a total of 8,815 staff, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. Ethnic minorities from Sabah and Sarawak from Peninsular Malaysia are well-represented among both non-academic and academic staff. For instance, there are 27 Iban ethnic, 23 Bajau ethnic, and 10 Bugis ethnic. Additionally, UKM employs 6 Orang Asli staff.

This diversity reflects UKM’s continuous effort to ensure that ethnic minorities are not left behind and are given equal opportunities. Regardless of their background, all employees are treated equally, with access to the same resources and opportunities for growth. UKM values the contributions of ethnic minorities, whether from Peninsular Malaysia or East Malaysia, reinforcing the university’s focus on creating a fair, diverse, and inclusive working environment for all staff members.

Table: Ethnic Group Distribution Among UKM Staff (2024)

Ethnic Group	TOTAL
Asli	6
Bajau	23
Bidayuh	8
Brunei	2
Bisaya	0
Bugis	10
Bumiputera Sabah	8
Dusun	12
Iban	27
Kadazan	9
Kelabit	1
Melanau	5
Murut	4
Selakau	0
Serani	2
Sikh	8
Sulu	1
Sungai	4
Thai	4
Lain-lain	3
Foochow	2
Malayali	1
Kenyah	1
Bangsa Asia Lain	1
Total	142

2. Staff with Disabilities

In alignment with the Inclusion Policy for Higher Education Institutions, which mandates that 1% of the total staff must comprise individuals with disabilities, UKM is dedicated to fostering inclusivity within its workforce. This policy underscores the university’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all, including staff members with disabilities. 

In 2024, UKM employed a total of 8,815 staff, out of which 53 were individuals with disabilities. This represents 0.60% of the total workforce, which falls slightly below the 1% target outlined by the policy. Among the 53 staff members with disabilities, 15 have physical disabilities and 6 have visual impairments. Although the percentage is below the set goal, UKM continues to work toward increasing the representation of staff with disabilities, reflecting its ongoing commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

UKM remains focused on improving these figures to meet the policy requirements and ensure that individuals with disabilities are not only included but have meaningful roles within the university.

Inclusion Policy for Higher Education Institutions Link:
www.ukm.my/kelestarian/data/sdg10/Garis-Panduan-DIP-Final-For-Printing.pdf

Proportion of Employees with Disabilities in Year 2024

Category	Total Number of Employees
Visual	6
Hearing	3
Physical	15
Learning disabilities	1
Mental	1
Others	27
Total	53