UCSI Radio
2025
10 MayUCSI appoints its second Chancellor
KUALA LUMPUR: UCSI University has appointed Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz as its new Chancellor, marking only the second such appointment in the institution’s 39-year history.
The new appointment deepens Tunku Zain's affiliation with UCSI - an association that officially began in 2021 when he was appointed as the University’s first pro-chancellor.
In that role, he contributed significantly to the student community and played a key role in the development of UCSI’s Bangladesh branch campus.
He also helped expand the University’s international research network through several overseas engagements.
Earlier this year, Tunku Zain was appointed patron of UCSI Hospital. He has also served as UCSI Group advisor since 2023.
UCSI University Council chairman Dato’ Peter Ng, in his speech, said, “I have no doubt that Tunku Zain will continue to inspire UCSI students, faculty and alumni to rise to greater heights.
“This applies not only to their academic and professional pursuits but also to their roles as changemakers and global citizens.
“In him, we have a Chancellor who reflects the University’s founding values of audacity, integrity, perseverance and excellence.”
And in him, we have a role model that students can look up to for decades to come.”
A prominent public intellectual and social advocate, Tunku Zain is widely recognised for his leadership in education, civic engagement and the arts.
As founding president of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), he is known for championing policy reform, good governance and inclusive development.
He is also a columnist, accomplished pianist and a passionate advocate for Malaysia’s diverse heritage.
Beyond UCSI, Tunku Zain is a trustee of Yayasan Chow Kit, Yayasan Munarah, IDEAS and the Genovasi Foundation.
He also serves as chairman of Omesti Berhad and director of Prima Gading Corporation.
Tunku Zain’s appointment is expected to further strengthen UCSI University’s mission of academic excellence, innovation and societal impact, reinforcing its standing as a leading institution in Malaysia and the region.
The installation ceremony took place during UCSI University’s 38th convocation, the first session of the year, attended by Dato’ Peter Ng, UCSI vice-chancellor and president Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir and UCSI Healthcare Group chairman Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
