New UiTM v-c named

PROF Dr Mohd Azraai Kassim (pic) has been appointed Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) vice-chancellor for a period of three years.

His appointment is effective from this month until February 2022. He takes over from Emeritus Prof Dr Hassan Said whose contract has ended.

The Education Ministry, in a statement, said Prof Mohd Azraai’s appointment is based on his expertise, knowledge, experience and achievements while holding various administrative posts including UTM Space managing director and chief executve officer and other appointments whether at national or international level.

Born in Perak on July 15, 1958, Prof Mohd Azraai obtained his undergraduate degree in civil engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in the United Kingdom in 1981 followed by a master’s degree from the same university in 1983 and a PhD from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne in 1992.

He has held various posts at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) including as dean of international affairs, deputy vice-chancellor (Development), deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International) and deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation).

Prof Mohd Azraai has published two books on academic leadership, and has poduced 155 journal papers and proceedings related to higher education. He has also been involved in five international research projects, 21 national research projects and 19 consultancies with an overall total of RM6.03mil.

He has received both local and international recognitions. These include Visiting Scientist at Kyoto University and UTM Research Award (group category) in 2004.

“The ministry hopes Prof Mohd Azraai’s appointment can further contribute to UiTM’s achievements,” it said.

The ministry thanked Dr Hassan for his service and leadership at UiTM from February 2016 to January 2019.