Allahyarham Tan Sri Datuk Haji Arshad Ayub

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A National Education Icon: The Founding Father of Malaysia’s Largest Higher Learning Institution

Tun Dr Arshad Ayub is widely regarded as a far-sighted educator who has had a tremendous impact on business and education in Malaysia for nearly half a century.

His involvement in education began in 1965 as the Principal of the MARA College of Business and Professional Studies.

In 1967 Maktab MARA was transformed into Institute Technology MARA (ITM) of which Tun Dr Arshad Ayub became the First Director serving from 1965 to 1975. He laid the foundation for Institut Teknologi MARA (now UiTM) and led one of the most successful education initiatives in the country.

On the go - Arshad believed strongly in living a full student’s life and was keen in all activities, sports, cultural activities and literary development programmes. Badminton was one of his favourite games and he excelled in it.

Aberystwyth Recognition - Arshad and Zaleha with their children in Aberystwyth in celebration of his honorary award. From left: Azmir, Azmi, Azlin, Arshad, Zaleha, Soraya (daughter-in-law) and Azman, 1995.

Redefining The Higher Learning Education System

Commissioned by the late Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak bin Hussein to address the under-representation of Bumiputera in the professions, Tun Dr. Arshad Ayub formed a diverse team of educators fueled by courage and passion. He advocated that everyone has the potential for education and particularly emphasised the often-overlooked “late bloomers” among the youth, neglected by the existing educational system.

Under Tun Dr. Arshad Ayub's visionary leadership, UiTM transformed from a place where students took external British examinations to an institution offering a diverse range of professional courses in applied science, mass communications, business management, architecture, public administration (Plantation Estate Management), and hotel catering at the tertiary level – groundbreaking in the 1960s.

Recognising the need for an alternative education option, he opened UiTM's doors in 1965 to thousands of school leavers not qualified for University Malaya. By the time he left in 1975, UiTM had grown to 6,856 students, 904 lecturers, and offered 60 programs across 13 schools and branch campuses. Today, UiTM stands as the nation's largest institution of higher learning in both size and population.

Embracing External and International Programmes

Before twinning programs gained popularity, Tun Dr. Arshad Ayub was a trailblazer in initiating such ventures with universities in Ohio and Kentucky, United States, giving Malaysian students the opportunity to receive a high-quality education abroad at a significantly reduced cost.

Under his guidance, UiTM became the first institution in Malaysia to embrace external UK programs in law and professional accounting, encompassing LLB, ICSA, and ACCA.

Dr. Arshad adhered to English as the medium of instruction and implemented changes to students' dietary habits, introducing breakfast with bread and lunches consisting of sandwiches. Additionally, he introduced individual counselling and guidance sessions for the students.

Recognising the need for an alternative education option, he opened UiTM's doors in 1965 to thousands of school leavers not qualified for University Malaya. By the time he left in 1975, UiTM had grown to 6,856 students, 904 lecturers, and offered 60 programs across 13 schools and branch campuses. Today, UiTM stands as the nation's largest institution of higher learning in both size and population

Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.

Other Recipients

Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement

Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr. Lam Sai Kit

Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology & Innovation

Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Yahya Awang

Outstanding Contribution to Environment and Planetary Health

The Late Dr. Lim Boo Liat