A MECHANICAL engineering expert has been appointed as the fifth vice-chancellor of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).
Prof Dr Mas Fawzi Mohd Ali, who most recently served as the varsity’s assistant vice-chancellor (Strategic and Quality), takes over from Prof Datuk Dr Ruzairi Abdul Rahim for a two-year term starting July 14.
The Higher Education Ministry expressed its confidence in Prof Mas Fawzi’s appointment.
“His combined experience in both administration and industry will be a valuable asset in leading UTHM to become a respected, innovative and relevant centre of knowledge that meets current needs,” it said in a statement dated July 14.
Prof Mas Fawzi, 51, obtained his bachelor’s degree in electromechanical systems from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, United Kingdom, in 1997, followed by a master’s degree in mechanical engineering (research) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in 2007. He went on to pursue his PhD in environmental life and earth engineering at the University of Tokushima, Japan, in 2009.
At UTHM, he has held various administrative positions, through which he gained extensive experience in university governance.
These roles include Centre for Graduate Studies deputy dean, Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering deputy dean (Research, Development and Publication), Office of Strategic Planning and Risk Management director, and assistant vice-chancellor (Strategic Planning and Corporate Relations).
Prof Mas Fawzi has also worked in the industrial sector, having served as a calibration engineer at Samsung Electronics Display Sdn Bhd and as an industrial engineer at Sharp-Roxy Electronics Sdn Bhd, before joining the public service in 2004.
The ministry, in its statement, also extended its appreciation to Prof Ruzairi for his contributions and dedicated service in leading UTHM.
