Accomplished Academician Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Asma binti Ismail, FASc. aims to make the university synonymous with excellence in medical and health sciences education by being adaptive, agile and resilient to prepare learners for the future
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 August 2024 – IMU University (formerly known as International Medical University) welcomes newly-appointed Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Academician Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Asma binti Ismail, FASc. who brings a wealth of experience from notable institutions and distinguished roles in education, science and healthcare.
A dedicated advocate for the sciences, her roles as Immediate Past President of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, immediate past Science, Technology and Innovation Advisor to the Prime Minister and present Chair for the Planetary Health Action Plan for Malaysia make Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Asma uniquely suited to spearhead a new era for IMU University as it embarks on a broader interpretation of holistic healthcare education that aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) One Health approach and includes programmes in the fields of animal and environmental health, business, communications and technology.
“It is an honour for me to be entrusted with this responsibility and I aim to make a meaningful impact throughout my tenure here at IMU University. This is an established and well-respected institution and my goal is to take it to the next level. I aim to make IMU the preferred university, locally and abroad, for healthcare education through renewed commitment to quality and excellence, while providing our students with valuable, real-world global experiences and community engagement,” she said.
Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Asma takes the reins from Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Baba, whose journey with IMU University began in July 2013. Over the past decade and more, Prof Dr Abdul Aziz initially served as Professor of Medicine and thereafter filled the role of Vice President before assuming the position of Vice-Chancellor and CEO of IMU Education in 2016.
As IMU University continues to chart a more inclusive path that embraces the diverse and dynamic relationship between people and planet, Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Asma’s leadership and unique skillset will enhance the university’s ongoing mission of achieving excellence in academic and research fields.
A visionary who holds education and innovation close to her heart, Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Asma is a driving force for positive change and unafraid to challenge convention. These qualities among others have no doubt played a significant role in her achievements, which include being the first female to be appointed Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). She is also Malaysia’s first female to serve as Director-General of Higher Education, President of Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Chairperson of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and National Science Advisor to the Prime Minister and to the country.
Well-regarded by academicians around the world, she is an elected member of several international boards including the Board of Governors for Commonwealth of Learning (COL) based in Vancouver, Canada and as a Governing Advisory Board Member for Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan. In 2023, she was named by Forbes Asia among the Top 50 women over 50 from Asia Pacific who had reached new heights in contributing to the field of higher education, research and innovation. In her illustrious career, she has initiated scientific discoveries which have led to the attainment of 16 patents that are commercialised worldwide, including TyphidotTM, the groundbreaking rapid diagnostic kit for typhoid advocated by WHO. She has also obtained more than 270 awards and recognitions for her achievements at national and international levels, with more than 100 attributed to the development and commercialisation of TyphidotTM. Currently, she is involved in the rewriting of the Higher Education Blueprint 2026 to 2035 and is a member of the Higher Education Advisory Panel for financial sustainability of universities under the Ministry of Higher Education.
“We are very pleased to welcome a distinguished academician to IMU University. Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Asma will help to shape and redefine our aspirations as we move into a new phase of healthcare education. We look forward to the insights and developments she will bring to our beloved institution,” said YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman, Chancellor of IMU University.
Moving forward, Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Asma added, “The paradigm of higher education is shifting to a more flexible, unbundled approach. As we cater to the new generation of learners, it is imperative to review, re-imagine and re-design 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. This approach will cultivate well-rounded individuals equipped to lead and innovate in an increasingly complex world.”
To read more about Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Asma, click on Leading the Way.
