Prof to hold chair for two years

Two-year term: Dr Zaini presents the letter of appointment to Prof Jayum (third from left) for the Tun Abdul Razak Chair as officials look on.

PROF Dr Jayum Jawan is the 15th Malaysian scholar to hold the Tun Abdul Razak Chair at the University of Ohio, in Athens, the United States.

He takes over from Prof Dr Habibah Ashari whose term has ended.

A senior professor from Universiti Putra Malaysia, Prof Jayum specialises in politics and government and has served for more than 30 years.

He received his letter of appointment from Education Ministry secretary-general II Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang at a ceremony.

His two-year term at the University of Ohio starts from July 1.

The Tun Abdul Razak Chair was set up in March 1980 based on an agreement between the Malaysian government and the University of Ohio.

It provides opportunities for Malaysian academics to teach and conduct research in the US.

At the same time they can share information on the country’s history, culture, economics, social life and politics with American students.

The setting up of the Tun Abdul Razak Chair is also to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Dr Zaini also presented certificates of appreciation to Prof Habibah and Prof Dr Mohd Taib Dora who was the holder of the Malay Studies Chair at the Beijing Foreign Studies University in China.