SINTOK: Professor Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed has been appointed the new vice-chancellor of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) for a two-year term, effective yesterday.
He received his letter of appointment, signed by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, at the ministry in Putrajaya.
In a statement, UUM said Martadha officially assumed office today after clocking in at the Sultan Sallehuddin Chancellery Building.
A leading academic in public administration and public policy, Marthada previously served as UUM’s deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs and alumni) for nearly four years.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, in the United States, a Masters of Public Administration from Indiana State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration/Political Science from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
His research focused on administrative reform, policy analysis and governance, with his scholarly contributions receiving recognition at both national and international levels.
Beyond research, Martadha is also widely recognised as a global academic leader through his involvement in various international bodies.
These include his roles as a founding member and executive member of the Asia Pacific Society of Public Affairs, chairman of the Asean University Network Student Affairs Network, and president of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Varsity Council.
At the national level, he has contributed his expertise as chairman of the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia General Studies panel and chairman of the Public Universities Leadership and Training Council.
He is also a regular media commentator locally and abroad, particularly on foreign policy and international political issues.
Martadha is among UUM’s earliest academic staff, having begun his service as a tutor at the UUM Department of Public Management in 1993, shortly after the university commenced operations in Sintok in 1990.
In total, he has served UUM and the state of Kedah for more than 32 years.
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