By Norhafizah Mohd Suib, Centre for Talent Development and Innovation

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) marked its 25th anniversary by bringing together three of its former Vice-Chancellors to reflect on the university’s leadership journey, development, and aspirations for the future.

UMT has embarked on a 25-year journey as a higher education institution that has grown with its own distinct identity and strengths within the country’s higher education landscape. Throughout this period, the university has undergone various phases of development, challenges and transformation, with university leadership playing an important role in shaping its direction and sustaining institutional excellence.

The discourse served as a platform to reflect on UMT’s leadership journey, draw inspiration, and learn lessons from the experiences of figures who have previously led the university, and highlight aspirations for UMT’s future direction.

The discourse featured three former UMT Vice-Chancellors, namely Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Aziz Deraman, currently a professor at the Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics; Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, currently a professor at the Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology; and  Professor Dato’ Dr. Nor Aieni Haji Mokhtar, currently a principal research fellow at the Institute of Oceanography and Environment. 

The session was moderated by Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Fadzil Mohd Akhir, UMT Pro Vice-Chancellor (Strategy, Performance and Corporate).

During the discourse, the three former Vice-Chancellors shared their experiences and perspectives, including the challenges of steering the institution and the changes that shaped UMT’s development during their tenures. 

The discussion offered the UMT community an opportunity to learn more about their educational and career journeys, as well as the experiences that shaped their leadership approaches. 

Their reflections also highlighted UMT’s strengths and identity over the past 25 years, as well as their aspirations to continue the legacy of excellence in the future.

The discourse, themed “25 Years of UMT: Reflections and Future Aspirations”, was held on 12 August at the Sulaiman Auditorium, and jointly organized by the Centre for Talent Development and Innovation (PPBI) and the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Library (PSNZ).