Words of wisdom: Prof Noor Azuan posing beside a poster of his quote at the University of Bradford.
Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman has been awarded the honorary title Doctor of Engineering (Honoris Causa) by the University of Bradford, United Kingdom.
The honorary doctorate was conferred in recognition of the exceptional impact he has made in the fields of biomechanics and higher education leadership.
A graduate of the University of Bradford with a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, Prof Noor Azuan described the moment as one of profound pride and humility, having started his academic journey there more than three decades ago.
At the ceremony in Bradford held on July 15, he said the university was where he first gained valuable life values and lessons, and where he had been so warmly welcomed and supported throughout his entire study life.
“From the beginning, I have been inspired by the potential of innovation to give people a new start.
“It brings me great joy to see that our work is no longer just research on paper, but practical solutions that make a real difference, especially for those most vulnerable.
“This is the essence of life, to do good and to contribute to a better tomorrow for all of mankind,” he said.
Sharing the most unforgettable moment in his journey, Prof Noor Azuan shared how he had witnessed Palestinian children being fitted with prosthetic limbs he had helped to create.
They were only aged seven or eight and they were filled with joy, he recalled.
“Their eyes sparkled with the light of newfound hope.
“These devices were sponsored by Tesco, but the real sponsors were compassion and human solidarity.
“Seeing their smiles, that is when I knew this is why we do what we do. There is no greater reward.
“I accept this honorary doctorate with deep appreciation, but more importantly, as a reminder that our work must always be driven by compassion, purpose, and the desire to uplift others.
“Let us all, in our own ways, be agents of change, for people, for animals, for the world,” the biomechanical engineering expert said in a press release.
Since Prof Noor Azuan’s appointment as vice-chancellor at the country’s oldest varsity in November 2023, he has championed innovation, research commercialisation and industry- academia collaboration.
UM is now ranked among the world’s Top 58 in the QS World University Rankings.
Having previously served in multiple leadership roles including as deputy vice-chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and vice-chancellor of Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Prof Noor Azuan was presented with Malaysia’s National Academic Award for Product Innovation and Commercialisation by the Prime Minister in 2022.
He is also a recipient of the Forchheimer Prize (Belgium), a prestigious biomechanical engineering award, and the Blesma Award from the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics for his work on prosthetic socket design, which greatly enhances comfort and fit for amputees.
