Professor Emeritus Dr Hassan Said has been appointed the new vice-chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), effective from Feb 1 next year, a statement from the Higher Education Ministry said today.

Hassan, 60, takes over from Prof Ir Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar whose term as UiTM vice-chancellor ends on Dec 31.

According to the statement, the ministry is confident that in view of his leadership record and academic achievements, Hassan will take the university to a higher level.

Prior to his appointment, Hassan was the vice-chancellor and president of Taylor’s University, as well as the former director-general of Higher Education from January 2005 until April 2008.

Hassan holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Manchester (1979), masters of science from Brunel University, United Kingdom (1981) and a doctorate degree from Brunel University (1984), specialising in Computer-Aided Geometric Design.

According to the ministry statement, Hassan played a key role in the establishment of the National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPRN).

In the statement, the ministry also thanked Sahol for his service as UiTM vice-chancellor since Jan 1, 2010.

“He (Sahol Hamid) had contributed much to the development and progress of UiTM as an institution of higher learning which is noted in the country as well as overseas, and also for the success of the bumiputeras,” the statement said.

- Bernama