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From the Principal's Blog - Watt A Decade!
This Friday, 10th February, marks the tenth anniversary of the establishment of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. How time flies, and what an astounding impact the University has made to students who have encountered the unique place that it is! Through the leadership of Professor Bob Craik and then Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, the University has grown and established itself as a special place of learning, located adjacent to Lake (or as I call it, Loch) Putrajaya and the ministry buildings. The warmth and character of the staff make student learning, and for people like me visiting, a very special experience. Hundreds of students from across all our campuses have experienced Malaysia in their Go Global travels. We are proud to have over 150 students enrolled from Heriot-Watt University Malaysia in Scotland this term.
I invite everyone to join in the celebration by viewing this anniversary video.
Friday is a special day in our Bicentennial Celebrations because, not only is Heriot-Watt University Malaysia a decade old, but the day marks the installation of its first ever Pro-Chancellor, Professor Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood - a distinguished health professional, humanitarian and development leader. Professor Mahmood has dedicated her career to healing others, working in the health sector for over 30 years as an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and as a humanitarian activist for over 20 years. She was the driving force behind the establishment of MERCY Malaysia in 1999, the most successful humanitarian organisation that works both at home and abroad. Currently, she is a Professor and Executive Director of the newly established Sunway Centre for Planetary Health. She has also worked at the United Nations in New York as Chief of the Secretariat of the World Humanitarian Summit, heading the humanitarian branch at the United National Population Fun.
The position of Pro-Chancellor is established in the University Charter, to represent the Chancellor, acting as an advocate for the University and as a link to the University's wider community of stakeholders. The Pro-Chancellor also has the opportunity to perform ceremonial duties on behalf of the Chancellor. At the installation this week, which I conducted, she spoke about why she has chosen to become Pro-Chancellor:
“Heriot-Watt University is an institution that has, since its inception, fostered the ethos of inclusion and education for all, and I am very proud to be part of the continued focus on ensuring that its doors are open to everyone – here in Malaysia, in Scotland, the United Arab Emirates and across the world.”
This speaks to our mission and values. The Chancellor and I are so delighted that we have been able to make such an excellent appointment.
On behalf of the whole University, I would like to offer my warmest congratulations of this celebration of a decade of success to colleagues, students and alumni. You have been amazing. Watt A Decade!
Professor Richard A. Williams
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
Tan Sri Dr Jemilah took up her position on 1 September 2021, running until end of December 2023.