KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian AIDS Foundation chairman Datuk Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman has been appointed Monash University Malaysia’s next chief executive officer.
The 58-year-old infectious disease expert, who is also co-chair of the World Health Organisation Science Council and a commissioner for the Global Commission on Drug Policy, will assume the role in May.
In a statement today, the university said that the appointment comes after an extensive international search process, adding that Adeeba will also hold the titles of pro vice-chancellor and president (Malaysia) for Monash University Australia.
It also quoted its president and vice-chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner praising Adeeba for her accomplishment while at Universiti Malaya, where the latter is currently a medicine and infectious diseases professor and Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS director.
“As a scholar, (Adeeba) has vigorously pursued and applied her research interests to focus on adopting a pragmatic and effective approach to HIV prevention in key populations, including people who use drugs and prisoners.
“Her significant contributions to Malaysia’s education agenda, as well as her unwavering dedication to HIV prevention and treatment programmes, will enhance Monash’s reputation as a critical educational institution to drive Malaysia and the Southeast Asia region’s excellence agendas in education and research,” she added.
Adeeba is also an alumni of the university, having graduated from the institute in 1987 and trained in internal medicine and infectious diseases at the Monash Medical Centre and Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital in Melbourne, Australia.
In 2015, she was conferred the Doctor of Law honorary doctorate by Monash deputy chancellor Yehudi Blacher in recognition of her outstanding contribution to infectious diseases research and as a health advocate.
“As an alumnus, I am honoured to come full circle and be entrusted to helm Monash University Malaysia, one of Malaysia’s premier higher education institutions,” Adeeba said in the statement.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us that a successful response to complex global challenges such as climate change and inequities will only happen with collaboration and partnerships.
“I am excited to work alongside Monash Malaysia academics and students towards nation building and the betterment of our communities.”
She also took to Twitter to share her excitement over the appointment and thank those who had congratulated her.
Last year, Adeeba was named by Forbes magazine in its “50 Over 50: Asia 2022” list alongside two other Malaysians, acting powerhouse Datuk Michelle Yeoh and artist Simryn Gill. – The Vibes, January 31, 2023
