ZAINAL–FARHAN’S TRANSFER OF DUTY ACKNOWLDGEMENT NOTE AND HANDING OVER CEREMONY
Teks: Mohd Kamil Ashar (
Foto: Bani Faidzzainami Baniyamin (
NIBONG TEBAL, 29 December 2015 – The Transfer of Duty Acknowledgement Note and Handing Over Ceremony between Professor Dr. Zainal Arifin Mohd Ishak (left) and Professor Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah (right) was witnessed by the Engineering Campus Management Committee (JPKK) at the Director’s Office Meeting Room, here today.
According to Zainal Arifin who remains as the Director, Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC) said, he was convinced that the Dean of the School of Civil Engineering will be able to carry out his responsibility well.
“I wish him the cooperation of all parties, especially the Engineering Campus community in continuing the university’s agenda”, he said after chairing the eighth JPKK meeting.
“On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to all at the Engineering Campus for their unwavering cooperation in the duration of my shouldering the responsibility as the Director”, said Zainal Ariffin who has given his dedication in leading the campus for three years.
He also expressed his gratitude for the achievements and excellence shown by the Engineering Campus which is always ahead in providing high-impact contributions and continue to elevate the university’s achievements.
At the same time, he said, as humans we are unable to avoid making mistakes and with that apologizes for any wrongdoings and shortcomings in carrying out his responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the new Campus Director, Professor Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah said, the appointment is a huge responsibility because he was given the responsibility to hold two key positions by retaining the position of Dean of the School of Civil Engineering in addition to the re-branding of the position of Assistant Vice-Chancellor.
Asked on how he feels after being given the mandate to lead both schools, he responded spontaneously, “May Allah guides me and us all”.
According to Ahmad Farhan, USM has no alternative other than to strive to become more efficient in its financial management in order to face the challenges of the future of higher education.
“Two dimensions that should be looked into are the new generating revenue and a more effective use of finance. Both carry the philosophy of “do more with less” which motivate us all to be more efficient, effective and accountable,” he stressed.
“At the same time, the potential to financially self generate is required and I am convinced that each engineering school would be able to do so effectively”, explained Ahmad Farhan.
“The strength of Engineering Campus lies within the spirit of brotherhood and cooperation and this needs to be further enhanced”, he added.
In support of the PILLARS OF USM recently introduced by the Vice-Chancellor, he is very confident that it would help improve not only the KPI but the KIP for the entire USM community.
“A balanced approach which maximizes the potential of all in the Engineering Campus is also pertinent because no individual or certain school that is great in all aspects.Therefore, to me the strength and existing system need to be streamlined and the weaknesses must be improved”, he further said.
As for the challenges ahead, Ahmad Farhan said, each appointment brings its own challenges.
“What is important is everyone appointed, must be wise in their duties to provide the desired benefits for the Schools and USM”.
He added, “God willing, the Engineering Campus community would help one another”.
Regarding the challenge, he said what is faced by USM has to be understood by all of its populace, and we must all play a role so we are united, with the same determination and goals and most importantly the appreciation and practice the Pillars of USM so we could stay focused and work as a team effectively.
In his concluding remarks, he implores everyone to pray for the wellbeing of the Engineering Campus and Universiti Sains Malaysia in general.
In addition, there are no words that could be uttered to the former Dean but a heap of gratitude on the outpouring of devotion and dedication until the Engineering Campus is successfully deemed at a prestigious level as a renowned knowledge hub in the engineering discipline not only domestically but internationally.
Those referred to are the Dean, School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Professor Dr. Hanafi Ismail, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Professor Dr. Mohd Zaid Abdullah and School of Mechanical Engineering, Professor Dr. Zaidi Mohd Ripin.
Among the Deans who are remaining at the Engineering Campus are the Dean, School of Aerospace Engineering, Professor Dr. Mohd Zulkifly Abdullah, Dean, School of Chemical Engineering, Professor Dr. Azlina Harun @ Kamaruddin and Dean, School of Civil Engineering who is also the Campus Director, Professor Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah.
Another remaining force to shoulder the responsibility in bringing the Engineering Campus to an even more excellent research institution in future is Director, River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC), Professor Dr. Nor Azazi Zakaria.
Among the new faces appointed as the Deans at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Professor Dr. Mohd Rizal Arshad, School of Materials and Mineral Resources Professor Dr. Zuhailawati Hussain and School of Mechanical Engineering, Professor Dr. Zainal Alimuddin Zainal Alauddin.