UTAR Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) and Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) were awarded the Premier Digital Tech Institute (PDTI) status by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) in 2019. This PDTI status has been renewed for another three years, from 2022 until 2025.

Developed by MDEC in 2017, the Premier Digital Tech University status recognises higher learning institutions that shape future digital talents by offering top-notch digital technology courses and training. It also aims to raise the quality of digital technology graduates and ensure that they become industry-ready.

The higher learning Institutions must fulfil a set of requirements which include their position on global rankings, industry-relevant teaching and learning methodologies, effective career placement services, teaching staff with industry experience and industry involvement throughout the undergraduate journey.

UTAR first obtained the status in 2019 and was one of 11 universities and five polytechnics to be accorded this prestigious recognition in that particular year. In 2022, the line-up has been expanded to a total of 16 universities and seven polytechnics with such status.