UKM Appoints First Female Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and International Affairs

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has appointed Prof. Datuk Dr. Fariza Md. Sham as its new Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and International Affairs (TNC HEAA). This marks a historic moment as she is the first woman to hold this significant role at the university.

Her two-year term begins on June 15, 2026, succeeding Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Abdul Gafor. UKM's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Sufian Jusoh, expressed confidence that Prof. Fariza's appointment will enhance academic relations and strategic collaborations between UKM and international institutions. He anticipates her leadership will foster closer ties with overseas institutions through sustainable strategic relationships and academic networks, while ensuring the quality of the university's internationalization activities is continuously monitored and improved.

Prof. Fariza is a recognized figure in the fields of Youth Da'wah Psychology and Islamic Psychology, where she has made substantial contributions to knowledge development and research. Her academic excellence has earned her a fellowship in the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, a prestigious recognition of her significant impact in Islamic Studies, Islamic Civilization, Da'wah, and Islamic Psychology. She also serves as an expert reference at national and international levels.

Her expertise extends globally, as evidenced by her appointment as the Ambassador of Education of Uzbekistan to Malaysia. Furthermore, she holds visiting professorships at several international universities, including Sultan Ahmad Shah Islamic University in Pahang, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies in Uzbekistan, the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, and the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Uzbekistan. Prof. Fariza earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Islamic Studies (Da'wah and Leadership) from UKM, followed by a Ph.D. in Usuluddin and Philosophy focusing on Da'wah and Human Development from the University of Malaya.