Academic Emerita Prof Datuk Dr Asma Ismail (pic) is the newly-appointed vice-chancellor and chief executive officer of IMU University.
A dedicated advocate for the sciences, her roles as the immediate past president of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), the immediate past science, technology and innovation adviser to the Prime Minister, and the current chair for the Planetary Health Action Plan for Malaysia make Prof Asma uniquely suited to spearhead a new era for the varsity as it embarks on a broader interpretation of holistic healthcare education, a press release dated Aug 1 read.
The paradigm of higher education is shifting towards a more flexible, unbundled approach, said Prof Asma.
“As we cater to the new generation of learners, it is imperative to review, reimagine and redesign an educational experience that aligns with their needs.
“In this way, the future of higher education lies in its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of new generations of learners.
“By embracing flexibility, personalisation, technology integration, community engagement, vibrant learning spaces, student well-being, mentorship, global exposure and a focus on planetary health and sustainability, we can create an educational experience that is not only future-ready but also holistic and enriching,” she said.
She added that this approach would cultivate well-rounded individuals who are equipped to lead and innovate in an increasingly complex world.
Prof Asma takes the reins from Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Baba, whose journey with IMU University began in July 2013.
A visionary who holds education and innovation close to her heart, Prof Asma was the first woman appointed as the vice-chancellor of both Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
She is also the first woman to serve as the country’s higher education director-general, ASM president, Malaysian Qualifications Agency chairperson, and national science adviser to the Prime Minister and the country.
Well-regarded by academics around the world, she is an elected member of several international boards, including the board of governors for the Commonwealth of Learning based in Vancouver, Canada, and the governing advisory board for Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan.
In 2023, she was named by Forbes Asia among the Top 50 women over 50 from the Asia Pacific who had reached new heights in contributing to the fields of higher education, research and innovation.
In her illustrious career, she has initiated scientific discoveries leading to the attainment of 16 patents, which have been commercialised worldwide, including Typhidot, the groundbreaking rapid diagnostic kit for typhoid advocated by the World Health Organization.
She has also obtained more than 270 awards and recognitions for her achievements at both national and international levels, with over 100 of these awards attributed to the development and commercialisation of Typhidot.
Currently, she is contributing to the development of the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026 to 2035, and is a member of the higher education advisory panel for the financial sustainability of universities under the Higher Education Ministry.
Welcoming Prof Asma to IMU University, its chancellor Tan Sri Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman said the distinguished academic would help to shape and redefine the varsity’s aspirations as it enters a new phase of healthcare education.
