Young lecturers at universities should strike a balance between being academicians and vying for top administrative posts within the institutions, said Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr Aziz Deraman, Senior Professor from the Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology and Informatics, to an online audience on 9 June.

He said that young lecturers need to improve in their areas of expertise first before chasing promotions and top posts. The early phase of their career is important in that this is the time to explore collaborative opportunities with the industries and communities in an effort to enhance the quality of their expertise.

He said that the university management needs to think carefully about appointing young lecturers to important administrative posts that require a lot of commitment and time.

“They may not have the time at their disposal for self-development,” he said, “because they are too busy with administrative matters and attending meetings.”

Professor Aziz said that there needs to be a balance between giving young lecturers important posts in the university and allowing them to become excellent academicians.  

Universities need lecturers with expertise in every field of study, where their impactful research outcomes can be made as references in solving current issues and preparing long-term plans, he said.  

Professor Aziz conveyed the message during the Chat with a Professor Programme Series 2 organized by UMT on 9 June. He was discussing the topic “Between Becoming Academicians and Academic Officers: Striking the Balance”. The event was streamed online and could be viewed through Webex and Facebook Live.

“Once these young lecturers have gained enough expertise, established collaborative networking with the industries and the communities, the promotions and appointments to important posts will come,” he said.

Professor Aziz was the former Vice Chancellor of UMT. Currently, he is the Chairman of the Council of Public Institutions of Higher Learning ICT Deans. He has produced more than 170 publications mainly related to software.  

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Corporate Communication Centre
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu