Academic innovator Prof Al-Atabi to lead Heriot-Watt U in Malaysia
KUCHING: Global academic innovator and engineer Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi has been appointed new Provost and CEO for Heriot-Watt University in Malaysia.
Al-Atabi began his outstanding academic career by studying Mechanical Engineering, before completing a PhD at University of Sheffield.
An educational leader for over 18 years in Malaysia, he is known for his role at Taylor’s University where he led the School of Engineering and, more recently, the university as Pro-Vice Chancellor.
Al-Atabi has a track record in teaching innovation in universities and developed the first massive open online course ( MOOC) in Malaysia for people from all walks of life to study Global Entrepreneurship.
Since becoming Deputy Provost in October 2016, Al-Atabi has been working with senior academics across Heriot-Watt’s five global campuses to help develop innovative transnational teaching.
He has developed new initiatives like the Youth Transformation Programme to help young people develop the skills and resilience to excel in academic study.
“Al-Atabi is a visionary academic leader with a track record for teaching innovation that transcends national boundaries.
“An advocate for advancing delivery of the highest quality student experience, his knowledge of transnational university education and entrepreneurial spirit made him a leader in international higher education.
“I am confident with Professor Al-Atabi leading Heriot-Watt in Malaysia, we will build on our success, continue to contribute to the Malaysian economy and society, and deliver exceptional and innovative learning and teaching.
“I thank Professor Bob Craik for his contribution as founding Provost and CEO of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.
“In five years, he has developed a brilliant team and built a university in Putrajaya we can be proud of - a university providing exceptional opportunities for nearly 2,000 students and businesses from Malaysia and the world,” said principal and Vice- Chancellor Professor Richard A Williams. Craik will, after the handover of duty, return to Scotland where he will continue to contribute to Heriot-Watt.
Al-Atabi will from Aug 1 take up his new role at Heriot-Watt’s stunning lakeside campus in Putrajaya where he will lead the university in Malaysia and across Asia, delivering innovative strategic initiatives for its five campuses across the world.
He will play a leading role in growing the university’s international research, building its links with industry and university partners to benefit students and the Malaysian economy.
“I’m honoured to serve the global community of our extraordinary university.
“At a time when the role of higher education is being redefined in light of the world’s challenges, Heriot-Watt University continues to play the role of a leading innovator in education, research and human development.
“It’s exciting to be part of our students’ journey of achieving their potential and positively impacting the world,” said AlAtabi.