Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) has proposed to give opportunities for non-bumiputeras to study at the university to encourage healthy competition and produce more intellectuals among university students.

However, UiTM pro-chancellor Arshad Ayub said these opportunities should be opened at masters and doctor of philosophy (PhD) levels, not at diploma and bachelor's degree levels.

"I think perhaps the time has come for us to consider this matter, which is maybe in a small percentage - giving opportunities for non-bumiputera students out there to pursue their Masters and PhD in UiTM.

"However, it only involves higher level of education because the bumiputera still need opportunities and support at the lower level (of education), which are diplomas and bachelor's degree," he told reporters after launching the International Academic Conference (IAC) 2015 in Kuala Terengganu today.

Arshad said the matter should be considered in view that the world now was very challenging with a wider competition.

"They (bumiputeras) need to be more competitive at the top level so that they will not only be local heroes," he said.

The two-day biennial conference themed 'Technology - Enhanced Education' will gather 250 academicians from all over the country including several academicians from Indonesia, Nigeria and China, with the presentation of 133 papers.

- Bernama