QS Asian University Rankings - NUS ranked No. 1

The 2014 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asian University Rankings marked a significant shift in the landscape of higher education across Asia. The rankings, compiled annually by QS, provide a comprehensive overview of the best institutions in the region based on a variety of factors, such as academic reputation, employer reputation, research output, and international diversity. In the 2014 edition, the National University of Singapore (NUS) emerged at the top of the list, marking a major milestone in the university’s rise to academic prominence. The rapid ascension of NUS from 10th place in 2009 to the No. 1 spot in 2014 demonstrates not only the university's relentless pursuit of excellence but also the growing influence of universities in Singapore and Southeast Asia on the global higher education stage.

The success of NUS is a reflection of Singapore’s broader commitment to building a world-class education system that emphasizes innovation, research, and global connectivity. Since its establishment in 1905, NUS has continuously redefined its academic offerings and research capabilities to align with global needs and trends. Over the past decade, the university has significantly strengthened its academic reputation, particularly in the fields of engineering, technology, and life sciences. In addition to its academic achievements, NUS has made substantial strides in its employer reputation and international outlook, both of which are crucial indicators in the QS rankings. The university’s highly international faculty, diverse student body, and strong collaborations with industry and academic institutions worldwide have all contributed to its rise to the top of Asia’s university rankings.

In 2014, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) made an impressive leap in the QS rankings, rising from 6th to 2nd place, surpassing long-established institutions such as the University of Hong Kong and Peking University. This remarkable jump was attributed to a number of factors, most notably the increase in the number of published papers per professor and the significant rise in the number of citations per paper. These two metrics, which are essential measures of research output and impact, reflect KAIST’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in research. The substantial progress made by KAIST can be traced back to the hiring of young and dynamic faculty members in recent years. Since 2006, KAIST has invested heavily in attracting top talent, and this has paid off in terms of the university’s research productivity and global influence. KAIST’s rise to 2nd place is a testament to the power of strategic planning and investment in research, as well as the institution’s dedication to addressing pressing global challenges through technological and scientific advancements.

As a highly specialized institution focusing on science, engineering, and technology, KAIST’s research output is central to its overall performance in the QS rankings. The university’s ability to generate high-quality research, attract significant international collaboration, and contribute to global knowledge in these fields has made it one of Asia’s leading institutions for innovation. KAIST has consistently ranked highly in various academic disciplines, including engineering and technology, and it continues to be a leader in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and bioengineering. As such, its rise in the rankings reflects not only its research excellence but also its growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements.

While NUS and KAIST were the top two universities in Asia in 2014, the University of Malaya (UM) in Malaysia achieved its best-ever ranking, securing 32nd place in the QS Asian University Rankings. UM’s rise in the rankings is a significant achievement for the university and for Malaysia’s higher education sector as a whole. With a score of 80.4, an improvement of 4.6% from the previous year, UM has demonstrated consistent progress across various metrics, including academic reputation, employer reputation, and research output. In particular, UM’s performance in international student exchange programs and its strong network of global partnerships have played an important role in its ascent. UM’s rise in the rankings highlights the growing importance of Southeast Asian universities in the global academic landscape, as well as the increasing global recognition of universities in Malaysia.

UM’s high ranking in academic reputation is particularly noteworthy. This metric reflects the perception of universities among academic peers worldwide, and UM’s strong performance in this area underscores the growing recognition of its academic programs and research excellence. UM’s efforts to strengthen its international outlook, by increasing the number of inbound and outbound exchange students and fostering academic collaborations with universities around the world, have further bolstered its reputation on the global stage. With a history of producing highly skilled graduates who contribute to various industries across the globe, UM has established itself as a key player in higher education within the ASEAN region and beyond.

The University of the Philippines (UP), the country’s highest-ranked university, also made notable progress in the 2014 QS Asian University Rankings. UP moved up four places, from 67th in 2013 to 63rd in 2014, solidifying its position as the leading university in the Philippines. This rise in the rankings reflects the university’s growing influence and the increasing recognition of its contributions to education and research. UP’s consistent focus on research and its ability to attract both local and international faculty have helped it maintain its standing among the top universities in Asia. Additionally, UP has been expanding its global partnerships and strengthening its academic programs in areas such as engineering, social sciences, and humanities, which has helped it gain more visibility on the global stage. The university’s strong ties with the Philippine government and its role in developing policies and strategies for national development further enhance its importance as a leading academic institution in the region.

UP’s rise in the rankings also speaks to the overall development of the higher education sector in the Philippines. While the country has faced challenges in terms of funding and infrastructure, the continued growth of institutions like UP reflects the increasing investment in higher education and research in the country. The success of UP, along with other universities in the Philippines, shows that with the right support and resources, institutions in emerging economies can make significant strides in improving their global standing.