Husaini is new Universiti Malaysia Kelantan vice-chancellor

The Higher Education Ministry yesterday announced the appointment of Professor Datuk Dr Husaini Omar as Universiti Malaysia Kelantan’s (UMK) new vice-chancellor.

Husaini, who is former Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) deputy vice-chancellor (research and innovation), will assume his new position starting Jan 1.

He will succeed outgoing UMK Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mortaza Mohamed.

The ministry said Husaini’s appointment was based on his expertise, knowledge, experience and achievements, while holding senior administrative positions as UPM deputy vice-chancellor and other positions locally and internationally.

“We hope that this appointment will continue UMK’s achievements and contribute to its vision in being an entrepreneurial university,” it said in a statement.

The ministry said it had faith in Husaini’s expertise in academic and corporate governance, as well as his ability to ensure the university’s financial sustainability.

The ministry said he had shown his capabilities when he promoted research results for commercialisation while driving UPM Holdings to become one of the best subsidiaries for a local public university.

Husaini, who will be vice-chancellor until Dec 31, 2020, started his career as a lecturer at UPM in 1996, where he had held several positions, such as Engineering Faculty dean.

He holds a doctorate in philosophy in systems engineering from UPM and a master’s degree in geology from University of Leeds, the United Kingdom.

He has received international awards, such as the WIPO Gold Medal, National Youth Award, National Young Scientist Award, and the Marquis Who’s in Science and Engineering.

The ministry expressed gratitude to Mortaza for his service and leadership during his term from Jan 1, 2015, to Dec 31.