The Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) alumni community proudly celebrates the promotion of four distinguished alumni as Professor (VK7), recognising not only their outstanding scholarly achievements but also their significant contributions to the University’s leadership, research excellence and global aspirations.

The newly promoted professors are Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Husain (PhD, UTM, 2010), Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Strategy & Global Eminence); Prof. Dr. Normah Maan (Master’s Degree, UTM, 1997), Director of the UTM Accreditation Centre; Prof. Dr. Shafinaz Shahir (Master’s Degree, UTM, 1998), Dean of the Faculty of Science; and Prof. Dr. Suresh Ramakrishnan (Bachelor of Management (Technology), UTM, 2000), Head of Division (Ranking), Office of Strategy & Global Eminence.

Collectively, they represent the strength of UTM’s academic ecosystem—graduates who have returned to serve the University in strategic leadership roles while advancing research that addresses real-world challenges. Their promotions are a testament to UTM’s ability not only to educate future leaders but also to cultivate scholars who continue to shape the University’s direction and global reputation.

In their respective administrative portfolios, each plays a pivotal role in advancing UTM’s strategic priorities. As Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Strategy & Global Eminence), Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid leads initiatives that strengthen institutional strategy, international partnerships and global competitiveness in support of UTM’s ASCEND 2030 agenda. Prof. Dr. Normah, as Director of the UTM Accreditation Centre, oversees the University’s quality assurance and accreditation ecosystem, ensuring that UTM’s academic programmes continue to meet rigorous national and international standards. As Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Dr. Shafinaz provides academic leadership in driving excellence in education, research and talent development across the sciences. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Suresh, through his role as Head of Division (Ranking), spearheads institutional ranking strategies and performance analysis, helping strengthen UTM’s global standing through evidence-based planning and continuous institutional improvement.

Beyond their leadership responsibilities, each has established an impressive research portfolio within their respective disciplines. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid is recognised for his work in Mechatronics, Robotics and Advanced Control Systems, focusing on the development of intelligent and autonomous engineering systems that enhance the stability, precision and performance of complex technologies. Prof. Dr. Shafinaz’s research in Environmental Biotechnology, Bioremediation and Biosensor Technology harnesses microbial systems to develop innovative solutions for environmental pollution and sustainability challenges. Prof. Dr. Normah has made significant contributions in Mathematical Modelling, Fuzzy Set Theory and Delay Differential Equations, applying advanced mathematical approaches to solve complex problems in medicine, epidemiology and environmental systems. Complementing these scientific achievements, Prof. Dr. Suresh’s research focuses on Corporate Finance, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Financial Sustainability and Corporate Risk Management, providing valuable insights into responsible business practices and organisational resilience.

What makes these achievements particularly meaningful is that all four professors count UTM among the institutions that shaped their academic journeys. Today, they stand among the University’s highest academic ranks while leading strategic portfolios that influence institutional policy, academic quality, research excellence and global visibility. Their careers exemplify the University’s philosophy of “Kerana Tuhan Untuk Manusia” where knowledge is translated into meaningful contributions that benefit society and inspire future generations.

As UTM continues to advance its ASCEND 2030 aspirations, the promotion of these four alumni reflects the University’s enduring commitment to nurturing talent, fostering academic excellence and developing leaders whose contributions extend far beyond the classroom. Their success also serves as an inspiration to UTM’s growing global community of more than 257,000 alumni across over 100 countries, reaffirming that UTM graduates continue to lead with purpose, excellence and impact wherever they serve.

UTM Alumni extends its heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Husain, Prof. Dr. Normah Maan, Prof. Dr. Shafinaz Shahir and Prof. Dr. Suresh Ramakrishnan on this well-deserved recognition and wishes them continued success in advancing knowledge, strengthening the University and shaping a better future through education, research and leadership.