New VCs appointed for UiTM, UMPSA and UM

PETALING JAYA: Three new vice-chancellors have been appointed to lead Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) and Universiti Malaya (UM).

They are Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib Sahibuddin, Prof Datuk Dr Yuserrie Zainuddin and Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman.

Prof Shahrin Sahib’s appointment as UiTM's vice chancellor will begin effective Nov 2. He took over from Prof Datuk Dr Hajah Roziah Mohd Janor.

Before the appointment, Prof Shahrin Sahib, whose term will end on Nov 1, 2026, served as Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International) from 2013 before assuming the role as vice-chancellor in the same university for five years.

He also has administrative experience in educational institutions and private universities, including Multimedia University (MMU) and Kolej Yayasan Melaka.

The Higher Education Ministry (MoHE), in its media statement, said he is widely respected both within and outside the country.

“His ability to enhance the university's visibility plays a vital role in driving UiTM's excellence, especially in today's era of disruptive technology. He is recognised for his efforts to empower UiTM as a leading educational institution in the country, producing competitive and timeless Bumiputera graduates,” the statement on Nov 2 read.

Prof Shahrin Sahib holds a bachelor’s and master's degree of science in Engineering from Purdue University West Lafayette, the United States and a PhD in Parallel Processing from the University of Sheffield, UK.

At UM, Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman has been appointed vice-chancellor for a three-year term effective Nov 6.

He takes over from Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor.

“Under his leadership, UM has achieved the 65th position in the World University Ranking 2024.” the ministry said in a statement.

Prof Noor Azuan, 54, served as Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) deputy vice-chancellor (Academic Affairs and International) from 2017 to 2020.

He then continued his service at UM as acting registrar before being seconded as vice-chancellor of Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) from June 8, 2022, till now.

Prof Noor Azuan obtained his Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from the University of Bradford in the UK and his Master of Science and PhD in bioengineering from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland.

He is also an Academy of Science Malaysia fellow and a recipient of the prestigious Academic Award Nation (AAN) in 2022.

MoHE, in its media statement, said they are confident that Prof Noor Azuan can enhance UM's position as a prominent scientific institution, nurturing intellectual talent to fulfil the requirements of national development.

“He has demonstrated the capacity to sustain UM's accomplishments and prestige as the country's foremost research university, well-respected on the global stage,” it read.

Meanwhile, at UMPSA, Prof Yuserrie Zainuddin has been reappointed as vice-chancellor for one year, effective Nov 1.

In a statement on Nov 2, MoHE said Prof Yuserrie's reappointment allows him to continue strategising the advancement of UMPSA as a technical university focused on technology and engineering. This includes producing highly skilled graduates tailored to meet the industry's demands.