On 29 November 1976, Institut Teknologi MARA (ITM) marked another significant moment in its academic history when the School of Computer Science and Mathematics was officially renamed the School of Mathematical Sciences and Computing (ASMEC).
The change was not merely a renaming but reflected ITM’s effort to strengthen an academic identity that more accurately aligned with the actual scope of its studies. According to the Dean of Academic Affairs, Mr Johari Hassan, reviews and consolidation processes found that the previous name did not adequately represent the role and comprehensive involvement of the mathematical sciences in the development of the discipline.
Established in 1966, the school was among the pioneers in producing the nation’s professionals through programmes such as the Diploma in Actuarial Science, Diploma in Computer Science, Diploma in Statistics, Institute of Statisticians (UK) qualifications, and the Programming Certificate. The provision of these programmes formed the basis for developing expertise in mathematics, statistics and computing, which were rapidly expanding at that time.
This rebranding demonstrated ITM’s commitment to continually adapt its academic structure to current needs, thereby strengthening the institution’s role as a leader in higher education in producing highly skilled graduates who support the nation’s science, technology and innovation development.
Pada 29 November 1976, Institut Teknologi MARA (ITM) melakar satu lagi detik penting dalam sejarah akademiknya apabila Kajian Sains Komputa dan Ilmu Hisab (School of Computer Science and Mathematics) secara rasmi ditukar nama kepada Kajian Sains Hisab dan Komputa (School of Mathematical Sciences and Computing – ASMEC).
Perubahan ini bukan sekadar pertukaran nama, malah mencerminkan usaha ITM memperkukuh identiti akademik yang lebih tepat dan selaras dengan skop pengajian sebenar. Menurut Dekan Hal Ehwal Ilmiah, Encik Johari Hassan, hasil semakan dan proses konsolidasi mendapati nama terdahulu kurang menggambarkan peranan serta penglibatan menyeluruh bidang sains hisab dalam pembangunan kajian tersebut.
Ditubuhkan pada tahun 1966, kajian ini menjadi antara perintis dalam melahirkan tenaga profesional negara menerusi program-program seperti Diploma Sains Aktuari, Diploma Sains Komputer, Diploma Statistik, Institute of Statisticians (UK) serta Sijil Pengaturcaraan. Penawaran program-program ini menjadi asas kepada pembangunan kepakaran dalam bidang matematik, statistik dan pengkomputeran yang semakin berkembang pesat ketika itu.
Langkah penjenamaan semula ini membuktikan komitmen ITM untuk sentiasa menyesuaikan struktur akademiknya dengan keperluan semasa, sekali gus memperkukuh peranan institusi sebagai peneraju pendidikan tinggi dalam melahirkan graduan berkemahiran tinggi yang menyokong pembangunan sains, teknologi dan inovasi negara.