PENANG, 6 January 2016 – Professor Dr. Abd. Aziz bin Tajuddin, 60, has been appointed as the new registrar at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for two years effective from January 1, 2016.

Prior to that, Abd. Aziz, specialising in Radiation and Medical Physics at the USM School of Physics, was the Director of USM Advanced Medical and Dental Institute at the Bertam Kepala Batas campus since October 1, 2012.

He replaced Siti Zubaidah A. Hamid, who retired on December 31, 2015 after serving as the Registrar for 3 years and as a USM administrative personnel for 36 years.

Abd. Aziz was born in Sungei Kechil, Nibong Tebal, Seberang Perai on January 20, 1956. He received his early education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungei Kechil (Year 1 to 6), Nibong Tebal Secondary School (up to Form Three: LCE), Royal Military College (until Form Five: MCE), and Aston College, Wrexham, Wales ('A' level). Later, he pursued his studies at the University of Salford, Manchester and obtained a B.Sc (Hons) (1980) in the field of Health and Environmental Physics. Following his excellent academic results, he was offered to do a doctoral degree (without undergoing M.Sc. degree) at the University of Surrey, England, and he was awarded the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of the Universities of the United Kingdom Overseas Research Students - Fees Support Scheme Award (1980 - 1983) to carry out his research thesis entitled “Error Reduction in Quantitative Single Photon Emission Tomography’ and eventually he managed to get his Ph.D. in 1986.

Abd. Aziz, who joined USM School of Physics in July 1986, has extensive experience on various committees, including talent development.  

"I accept the responsibility of helping the university to implement the on-going transformation process with an open heart," said Abd. Aziz, adding that he was looking forward to working with staff in developing a collective sense of priorities and strengths, creating an administrative environment where administrative excellence could be achieved.

He added that it is important for all staff to work together as a cohesive team to develop the best possible succession and talent development plans for USM.

"I also hope that all the administrative staff of the university will optimise the available talents and abilities including communication skills to ensure that the process of talent management can be carried in the best possible way," said Abd. Aziz.

He made significant contributions to academia. He has been involved in the administration since he first started working and he progressed steadily, initially as the Head of the Biophysics (1987-1989), Acting Deputy Dean (December 1989 to August 1990 and July to December 1991), Deputy Dean (November 1993 to April 1995) and Dean for 8 years (May 1995 to March 2003).

Then he became the founder of the Research Platform and was appointed the Acting Dean of Research, Fundamental Sciences Platform (June 2003-April 2005) and as the Dean of Research from February 2006 to 30 April 2010. From 1 May 2010 to 31 December 2012, he was entrusted and given the responsibility as the Director of USM Engineering Campus.

Abd. Aziz has contributed much in the area of promotion of university’s academic and non-academic staff. The criteria for promotion and profiling of academic and non-academic staff have been successfully developed and it has become a reference to the external agencies. His contribution in profiling different academic promotion paths (1. research and publication, 2. teaching and supervision, 3. corporate and social involvement) has also become the reference of the public and private higher learning institutions as well as the Ministry of Higher Education.

He has more than 20 publications in the form of books/proceedings, 60 international publications, 35 local publications, 40 international presentations (including as invited speaker in Calcutta, India – twice; Coimbatore, India; Sopron, Hungary; Bangkok, Thailand and Bali, Indonesia), and over 200 presentations in Malaysia including as guest speaker. His research papers were also highly cited by other scientists in reviewed journals.

Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe

Text: Mohamad Abdullah