UCSI University first Chancellor, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Abdul Rahman Arshad has passed away. He was 84-years-old.

The educationist and diplomat breathed his last this morning at 10.45am.

UCSI Group CEO and founder Dato’ Peter Ng said that while he was deeply saddened by Tan Sri Rahman Arshad’s passing, he took heart in the legacy the UCSI University chancellor was leaving behind.

“Tan Sri Rahman Arshad’s life was in, so many ways, exceptional,” he said. 

“I first knew him when he was serving as Education director-general from 1985 to 1991 and I was inspired to see how he gave his all to improve Malaysia’s education landscape.

“He was never afraid to speak truth to power, he always emphasised sound education policies and he embraced each responsibility with the dutiful cognisance that his actions would have great bearing on generations of students,” Dato Peter said.

“While his passing means that Malaysia has lost a key figure in education and policy making, we can honour him by emulating his steadfastness. Like Rahman Arshad, we can commit to a cause, give it all we have and run the good race till the end. 

“All of us at UCSI Group will remember him as a dear friend, a towering presence and a source of wise counsel. We are blessed to have him as the first chancellor of UCSI University. I will miss him terribly,” he added.

UCSI Vice Chancellor and President Academician Senior Professor Dato Dr Khalid Yusoff said the university has lost one of the luminaries of education in this country. 

“He had showed a great deal of passion in education as well as the higher education,” said Dato Dr Khalid.

Rahman Arshad was born in Masjid Tanah, Melaka and he began his education at the native Malay school at Masjid Tanah. He was later selected to enter the Special Malay class at High School Melaka.

He leaves behind a life of service to education, to this country and to his community, From being a teacher at the prestigious Malay College Kuala Kangar, Rahman Arshad rose to be the Director General of Education, shaping education and expanding its access to students everywhere. 

Later he was appointed as the Pro-Chancellor of UiTM and UPSI and subsequently the Chancellor of UCSI University. 

“Quality, accessibility and propriety were values close to his heart, which he pushed through with a great deal of passion,” Dato Dr Khalid said.

“May Allah accept all his good deeds to the nation.  Our deepest condolences to his wife Puan Sri Datin Seri Noor Hayati Mohamed and the family

“The University has lost a great and wise counsel whom we had always depended on. The country has lost a great luminary in education,” he added.