UM V-C honoured by University of Bradford
The University of Bradford conferred the prestigious title in recognition of Professor Azuan's outstanding contributions to the fields of biomechanical engineering and higher education leadership.
A globally respected figure in biomechanical innovation, Professor Azuan is also a prominent voice in Malaysia's academic landscape.
Receiving the honorary degree at a special ceremony, Professor Azuan expressed his deep gratitude and personal connection to the university, where he earned a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering.
"It is an immense honour and pride for me to be recognised at a place where I first gained my valuable life values and lessons, and where I have been so warmly welcomed and supported throughout my entire study life. This is simply beyond words."
Reflecting on his life's work, Professor Azuan highlighted the transformative power of innovation and compassion in engineering.
"From the beginning, I have been inspired by the potential of innovation to give people a new beginning.
"It brings me great joy to see that our work is no longer just research on paper, but practical solutions that make a real difference, especially for those most vulnerable. This is the essence of life, to do good and to contribute to a better tomorrow for all of mankind."
He recalled a deeply moving moment from his career.
"One of the most unforgettable moments in my journey was witnessing the joy of Palestinian children just 7 or 8 years old fitted with prosthetic limbs we helped create.
"Their eyes sparkled with the light of newfound hope. These devices were sponsored by Tesco, but the real sponsors were compassion and human solidarity. Seeing their smiles, that is when I knew this is why we do what we do. There is no greater reward.
"I accept this honorary doctorate with deep appreciation, but more importantly, as a reminder that our work must always be driven by compassion, purpose and the desire to uplift others.
"Let us all, in our own ways, be agents of change, for people, for animals, for the world."
Professor Azuan also spoke about the entrepreneurial journey that stemmed from his academic work.
"Through the support of Universiti Malaya, which has been my academic home and life platform, I had the honour of founding BioApps Private Limited — a spin-off company of Universiti Malaya that, over the past seven years, has generated more than RM35 million in value.
"This is not just a company — it is a vision brought to life. A vision powered by the dedication of my 43 PhD graduates, 45 master's students by research and a multitalented global team, who turned the dream into reality. I share this award with every single one of them."
Since he was appointed vice- chancellor in November 2023, Professor Azuan has spearheaded the university's rise in global rankings, with UM now positioned among the world's Top 58 in the QS World University Rankings.
He has championed research commercialisation, innovation and robust partnerships between academia and industry.
His previous leadership roles include serving as Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's deputy vice-chancellor and Universiti Tenaga Nasional's vice-chancellor.
In 2022, he was honoured with Malaysia's National Academic Award for Product Innovation and Commercialisation by the prime minister. His work has helped place Malaysia as the second leading nation globally in prosthetics and orthotics research, just behind the United States.
Among his many accolades, Professor Azuan has received the Forchheimer Prize in Belgium — the highest honour in biomechanical engineering — and the Blesma Award from the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics for his advances in prosthetic socket design.
His conferment by the University of Bradford not only celebrates a significant personal and professional milestone but also reinforces the academic and research ties between Malaysia and the United Kingdom, while spotlighting Universiti Malaya's growing global influence.
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New Straits Times
18-07-2025
- New Straits Times
UM V-C honoured by University of Bradford
KUALA LUMPUR:Universiti Malaya Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering by the University of Bradford, marking a nostalgic return to the institution where he first began his academic journey more than three decades ago. The University of Bradford conferred the prestigious title in recognition of Professor Azuan's outstanding contributions to the fields of biomechanical engineering and higher education leadership. A globally respected figure in biomechanical innovation, Professor Azuan is also a prominent voice in Malaysia's academic landscape. Receiving the honorary degree at a special ceremony, Professor Azuan expressed his deep gratitude and personal connection to the university, where he earned a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering. "It is an immense honour and pride for me to be recognised at a place where I first gained my valuable life values and lessons, and where I have been so warmly welcomed and supported throughout my entire study life. This is simply beyond words." Reflecting on his life's work, Professor Azuan highlighted the transformative power of innovation and compassion in engineering. "From the beginning, I have been inspired by the potential of innovation to give people a new beginning. "It brings me great joy to see that our work is no longer just research on paper, but practical solutions that make a real difference, especially for those most vulnerable. This is the essence of life, to do good and to contribute to a better tomorrow for all of mankind." He recalled a deeply moving moment from his career. "One of the most unforgettable moments in my journey was witnessing the joy of Palestinian children just 7 or 8 years old fitted with prosthetic limbs we helped create. "Their eyes sparkled with the light of newfound hope. These devices were sponsored by Tesco, but the real sponsors were compassion and human solidarity. Seeing their smiles, that is when I knew this is why we do what we do. There is no greater reward. "I accept this honorary doctorate with deep appreciation, but more importantly, as a reminder that our work must always be driven by compassion, purpose and the desire to uplift others. "Let us all, in our own ways, be agents of change, for people, for animals, for the world." Professor Azuan also spoke about the entrepreneurial journey that stemmed from his academic work. "Through the support of Universiti Malaya, which has been my academic home and life platform, I had the honour of founding BioApps Private Limited — a spin-off company of Universiti Malaya that, over the past seven years, has generated more than RM35 million in value. "This is not just a company — it is a vision brought to life. A vision powered by the dedication of my 43 PhD graduates, 45 master's students by research and a multitalented global team, who turned the dream into reality. I share this award with every single one of them." Since he was appointed vice- chancellor in November 2023, Professor Azuan has spearheaded the university's rise in global rankings, with UM now positioned among the world's Top 58 in the QS World University Rankings. He has championed research commercialisation, innovation and robust partnerships between academia and industry. His previous leadership roles include serving as Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's deputy vice-chancellor and Universiti Tenaga Nasional's vice-chancellor. In 2022, he was honoured with Malaysia's National Academic Award for Product Innovation and Commercialisation by the prime minister. His work has helped place Malaysia as the second leading nation globally in prosthetics and orthotics research, just behind the United States. Among his many accolades, Professor Azuan has received the Forchheimer Prize in Belgium — the highest honour in biomechanical engineering — and the Blesma Award from the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics for his advances in prosthetic socket design. His conferment by the University of Bradford not only celebrates a significant personal and professional milestone but also reinforces the academic and research ties between Malaysia and the United Kingdom, while spotlighting Universiti Malaya's growing global influence.
The Star
16-07-2025
- The Star
King awards scholarships to 13 university students
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on Wednesday (July 16) presented the 2025 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Scholarship (BYDPA) to 13 students from institutions of higher learning at Istana Negara here. Ten recipients were awarded scholarships for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies, and three people received scholarships for Master's (research) programmes. Mohamad Fariz Haiqal Mohd Ruslan, who is pursuing a doctorate study in Pharmacology and Pharmacy at King's College London, United Kingdom, and Karen Low Ka Ling at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), received the PhD scholarship. Other PhD scholarship recipients are Muhammad Hamizan Zawawi (Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia), Muhamad Aiman Hakim Nor Khalid (Mathematics and Statistics, UKM), Sarah Dania Mohd Kahar (Commercial Law, Universiti Malaya), Teoh Shu Jou (Data Management, Universiti Malaya), Ahmad Firdaus Ahmad Sukri (Biotechnology, Universiti Sains Malaysia), Nurul Angelyn Zulhairy Liong (Genetics and Heredity, Universiti Malaya), Nur Zakirah Jasni (Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Australia), and Nurfatima Azzahra Fadli (Biochemistry, UKM). The BYDPA recipients pursuing studies at the Master's level are Fatini Nadiah Mohammad Zamzami (Biochemistry, UKM), Tiew Siew Jin (Biotechnology, Universiti Putra Malaysia), and Yugashini P. Muhilan (Biomedical Materials, UKM). The BYDPA is a prestigious national scholarship introduced in 2006 to sponsor Malaysian citizens who excel academically and are actively involved in co-curricular activities, such as community service, or who produce work that demonstrates creativity and innovation. To date, 20 scholarship cycles have been offered, benefiting 225 recipients, 117 at the PhD level and 108 at the Master's level. They received funding to pursue studies in fields such as Economics, Law, Science and Technology, Islamic Finance, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Public Service Department (PSD) director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz told reporters that the department will conduct an impact study on the BYDPA programme. "It has been offered for more than 20 years, and we feel it is necessary to review the current needs in terms of the approach and the fields of study granted to future students," he said. Wan Ahmad Dahlan also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty for gracing the 2025 BYDPA presentation ceremony. Meanwhile, Low, who serves as a pharmacist at Melaka Hospital, extended her utmost gratitude to the King for the scholarship, adding that she is determined to complete her studies on time and return to serve the country. Mohamad Fariz Haiqal described the scholarship as a meaningful blessing in his life and that of his fellow recipients, as it has opened the door for him to pursue his PhD studies at King's College London. "May we complete our PhD and Master's studies and contribute to our country, Malaysia," he added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- New Straits Times
King awards prestigious BYDPA scholarships to 13 postgraduate students
KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim today awarded the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Scholarship (BYDPA) 2025 to 13 postgraduate students at a ceremony held at Istana Negara. Also present were Public Service Department (PSD) director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Ab Aziz and PSD Human Capital Development Division director Datuk Jamalulail Abu Bakar. In a Facebook post, Istana Negara said His Majesty consented to award scholarships for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies to 10 recipients and for Master's (Research) studies to three recipients. Among the PhD recipients are Mohamad Fariz Haiqal Mohd Ruslan, who will pursue Pharmacology and Pharmacy at King's College London, and Karen Low Ka Ling, who will undertake the same field at UKM. Also on the list are Muhammad Hamizan Zawawi from USM, who will study Biology, and Muhamad Aiman Hakim Nor Khalid from UKM, in the field of Mathematics and Statistics. Other recipients at the PhD level include Sarah Dania Mohd Kahar (Universiti Malaya, Commercial Law), Teoh Shu Jou (Universiti Malaya, Data Management), Ahmad Firdaus Ahmad Sukri (USM, Biotechnology), Nurul Angelyn Zulhairy Liong (Universiti Malaya, Genetics and Heredity), Nur Zakirah Jasni (University of Melbourne, Veterinary Science), and Nurfatima Azzahra Fadli (UKM, Biochemistry). Meanwhile, the three Master's students are Fatini Nadiah Mohammad Zamzami (UKM, Biochemistry), Tiew Siew Jin (Universiti Putra Malaysia, Biotechnology), and Yugashini P. Muhilan (UKM, Biomedical Materials). The BYDPA is regarded as the most prestigious scholarship offered by the Public Service Department. Introduced in 2006, it is aimed at supporting outstanding Malaysian citizens who excel not only in academics, but also in co-curricular activities, community engagement, and the production of creative or innovative work. As of 2025, a total of 20 scholarship cycles have been completed, with 225 Malaysians having received the BYDPA. The scholarship supports studies in various fields including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); economics, law, Islamic finance, and artificial intelligence.
