Kuala Nerus, 11^th Jan. – Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Professor Dato’ Dr. Nor Aieni Haji Mokhtar has received an honorary award by the Swansea University in conjunction with the Winter Degree and Award Congregation. 

As an alumna of Swansea University, Professor Dato’ Dr. Nor Aieni was presented with the DSc (Doctor of Science) award on the 9^th January 2017 at Swansea University’s Great Hall by Swansea University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard B Davies, during the degree ceremony for the College of Engineering.

Nor Aieni Haji Mokhtar joined the Faculty of Science at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in 1980 as an assistant lecturer, and in 1982, she obtained an MSc degree in Ionisation Physics from what was then the University College of Swansea. 

She carried out her research related to Laser Technology Applications in Fluid Flows in UTM and obtained her PhD in Physics in 1992, joining the newly formed Coastal and Offshore Engineering Institute in the Department of Hydraulics and Hydrology at UTM.

Professor Dato’ Dr. Nor Aieni was promoted to Professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at UTM in 2000 and later appointed as a member of the UTM Senate from 2001 until 2007. 

In 2008, she was appointed Under-Secretary and Director of the National Oceanography Directorate (NOD) at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.  She had been instrumental in the establishment of NOD, being one of its key founding members, strategizing the niche areas in research and development for the maritime industry. 

In 2015, she was appointed by the Right Honourable Deputy Prime Minister of Education to the position of Vice-Chancellor at the University Malaysia Terengganu. 

In her current position, she has introduced flexible education with the special E-learning team from UMT, including the university’s Massive Open Online Course (UMTMOOCs) on Sustainable Marine Development.  She is also chairing the research cluster Special Interest Group (SIG) for coastal and island studies and Special Task Force on coastal erosion and coastal engineering solutions and Marine Renewable Energy. 

On receiving her award, Professor Dato’ Dr. Nor Aieni said “My heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Council and Senate of Swansea University for bestowing me the Honorary Award. I am extremely honoured and delighted to receive this prestigious recognition.

Academic leadership par research excellence in Institution of Higher Learning has been my forte, and as the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, I am inspired to forge greater cooperation between my Alma Mater Swansea University with our University and other fellow Malaysian students who have had their wonderful quality education and memorable experience in Abertawe”.

Presenting the award, Professor Richard B Davies said, “Professor Dato’ Dr. Nor Aieni is a brilliant STEM academic.  Her career demonstrates a life-long passion for science; but also shows she is a true innovator, and extremely adept at the communication of her ideas.  These are features of the best and most effective academics.  

We are very proud that Professor Dr Nor Aieni is an active member of Swansea University’s Alumni community; she is truly an inspirational figure.” 


Source: Public Relation Office, Swansea University