PUTRAJAYA, 3 January – The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has announced the appointment of Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Fauzi Hj. Ramlan, 52, as Universiti Putra Malaysia’s new Vice Chancellor for a three-year term effective 1st January 2013 until 31st December 2015.
Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Fauzi Hj Ramlan, who succeeds Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Radin Umar Radin Sohadi, has had extensive experience in the academic field for 24 years.
Basis of Selection
According to the Minister of Higher Education, YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin’s press statement, the selection of the Vice Chancellor was made based on UPM’s status as a research university with wide ranging expertise in various niches in the field of agriculture.
“The selection of Prof. Datuk Dr. Fauzi Hj Ramlan as UPM’s vice chancellor is made based on the critria set by the ministry and taking into account his experience in academia, research, expertise as well as his previous post as the Deputy vice Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) of UPM.
“It is hoped that his appointment will bring UPM to greater heights both domestically and in the international arena,” he said.
UPM’s Focus and Challenges
As the new Vice Chancellor, The ministry expressed that Prof. Datuk Dr. Fauzi, as the new Vice Chancellor, will be able to ensure UPM sets its focus on the issue of food security both in the country and in the global context.
“This can be achieved through the development of highly knowledgeable human capital, and research outcomes that add new knowledge, and will improve the quality of the country’s agricultural sector. This will be in line with UPM’s status as a renowned centre of excellence in education, research, agricultural services and tropical bio-resources,” he said.
Academic background and career
Prof. Datuk Dr. Fauzi Ramlan was born on 15th October 1960 in Johor. He holds a Diploma in Agriculture from Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, a Bachelor of Science (Agronomy) from Iowa State University, Master of Science from Louisiana State University and a PhD. (Biology) from University of York.
He is also a Professor in the field of agriculture at Universiti Putra Malaysia where he served since 29th April 1986 prior to his appointment as the Deputy vice Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) of UPM. He was formerly the Director of the Higher Education Department, Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, in charge of Student Management and Development Department from 1st October 2006.
While in service with UPM, Prof. Datuk Dr. Fauzi Ramlan held the post of Associate Professor at the Agricultural Science Department and as the principal of the 2nd Residential College. He is also member of the Board of Directors (LPU) of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and a substitute member of LPU for Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
He was conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Johan Setia Mahkota (J.S.M) in 2009, Darjah and Pingat Kebesaran Negeri Melaka - Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (D.M.S.M) in 2011, which carries the title, Datuk.
Appreciation and Thanks to the former Vice Chancellor
Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said MOHE would like to express its appreciation to UPM’s former vice chancellor, Profesor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Radin Umar bin Radin Sohadi. His extensive contribution since his first day in January 2011 has successfully sustained UPM’s excellence as a university of international repute.
