KUALA LUMPUR, 27 September: Prime Minister Datuk Sri Najib Tun Abdul Razak launched the book entitled “Ainuddin: Pejuang ‘Degil’ Melayu” at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) International Campus, near here, today.
The Prime Minister said, Malaysians should pay tribute to Tan Sri Ainuddin Wahid, the Principal of Technical College way back in 1969, Rector of Institut Teknologi Kebangsaan in 1972 until he became the first UTM Vice Chancellor in 1975. He played a significant role and was known for his determination and sacrifice in ensuring UTM’s contribution to the nation’s workforce needs in engineering, science and technology.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, he said the existing development in the country today is the result of the UTM graduates in science and engineering equipped with the right skills and competencies.
“They consist of civil engineers, electrical and mechanical engineers, architects, land surveyors, quantity surveyors, and town planners, educators, managers and others.
“Congratulations to Tan Sri Ainuddin and all staff, graduates and UTM Alumni and we should give the highest appreciation and honour to Tan Sri Ainuddin,” he said.
The Prime Minister said, the recognition reflects the significant contribution of Tan Sri Ainuddin. Ainuddin and UTM cannot be separated due to his sacrifice and relentless effort in contributing to religion, race and the country.
“May Allah bless Tan Sri and I hope Professor Dato’ Ir Dr Zaini Ujang will continue this struggle, drawing the success of high-impact contribution of UTM and put the university as a leading and renowned university at the national and international level,” he said.
Datuk Sri Najib said, today’s achievement by the country is the result pioneered by our predecessors.
He also congratulated UTM Resident Guest Writer, Datin Seri Fatini Yaacob for her efforts to write the biography.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Professor Dato’ Ir Dr Zaini Ujang said, Tan Sri Ainuddin has already put a strong foundation for the development of higher learning in the country.
He said, Tan Sri Ainuddin not only transformed higher learning policies in UTM, but was also the catalyst that shaped the architecture of the buildings, administration, faculties and colleges in the campus.
“He had developed various infrastructures and instigated the philosophy that drives UTM’s “soul and body” with sincere dedication and determination” he said.
“Even though his successors such as Dato’ Dr. Muhammad Ridzuan Haji Salleh, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Zaharuddin Idrus and Tan Sri Dato’ Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zulkifli Ghazali have different leadership styles, they also have a distinctive contribution to the development of UTM,” he said.
Dr. Zaini said, UTM currently managed to position itself as reputable university in various world rankings such as being the top 200 in World Ranking in engineering and technology, and top university in Malaysia in Webometric Ranking.
He also thanked the government for continuously providing funds for completing physical developments in UTM Johor Bahru campus and UTM International Campus in Kuala Lumpur.