LOGO
Emblem
The Emblem of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is a shield with four quadrants. Each quadrant contains an image and a specific background colour which bears a definite meaning. An open book is placed on top of the shield. The images found in the quadrants on the shield are:
• A tiger in royal yellow charging courageously towards the right side, on a background colour of red.
• An atomic symbol on a background of yellow.
• A symbol of technology, on a blue background.
• A red hibiscus flower on a white background.
Shield
The shield is a symbol of strength. It symbolises UKM’s capability in upholding its role as an institute of higher learning in the country.
Book
The book symbolises knowledge, which is UKM’s main role as an institution of higher learning and research centre.
Tiger
The tiger is a symbol of courage and power. The tiger reflects a Malaysian society with the Malay culture as its basis. A courageous charging tiger embodies the readiness of UKM to fight ignorance, evil and dishonesty.
Atom and Technology
The atomic and technology symbol highlights the notion of national advancement based on modern science and technology. UKM as a knowledge centre is responsible in producing knowledgable human capital in all fields to meet the needs of the country’s development.
Hibuscus
The hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia. The five petals of the flower are the five pillars of Rukun Negara which are always upheld by the people of Malaysia.
MACE
Mace
The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) mace is an endowment from the Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong with the approval of Majlis Raja-Raja Melayu as the symbol of power for the University. The mace is used in certain formal University events and ceremonies such as the Convocation Ceremony and the Appointments of Chancellors and Pro-Chancellors.
Torch
The torch is located on top of a mosque which signifies knowledge and a strong faith. The torch as a symbol of education signifies the role of the University as an institution of higher learning in contributing knowledge and expertise for the advancement and development of the people.
Vessel
The sphere at the end of the mace is a vessel which signifies the world. This shows that UKM is part of the international knowledge community and ready to embrace all facets of knowledge from all sources and then translates the knowledge for the benefit of the local and international communities. On top of the vessels are the emblems of the states in Malaysia, while on the side of the vessel are the emblems of UKM and Malaysia.
Hibiscus and Five Krises
The vessel which symbolises the world is placed on a hibiscus and supported by five krises, the Malay dagger. The flower is the national flower of Malaysia while the kris reflects the national heritage and traditions. The five krises symbolises the five pillars of Rukun Negara.
Palm Frond
In between the hibiscus and the vessel, there is a carved palm frond (Borassus flabellifer or palmyra), which symbolises literature.
Mace Stem
Along the stem of the mace, there are carvings of various motifs which signify the philosophy of the University and the faculties within. It symbolises the University’s objective to produce dynamic and rounded graduates who are pragmatic and creative and able to contribute towards the advancement of society and the country. In the middle of the stem, paddy grains motifs are artistically fashioned, reflecting the country’s prosperity with rice as the staple food.
Gasing
At the end of the mace is a spinning top with an axis. The five portions of the spinning top represents the five economic sectors of the country; industry, mining, transportation, agriculture and fishery. On the crown of the spinning top, there are carved images of the country’s produce.