Nur Nadia Amira Noley, Chancellery

Professor Dr. Suriyani Muhamad has recently been appointed as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & International) of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). The university’s very own has extensive experience as an academic and administrator, having served UMT for more than 26 years as a lecturer and assumed several administrative posts as well.

The appointment was made by Higher Education Minister Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir and is for a two-year term, commencing 19 January. Prof. Suriyani was presented with the appointment letter by Higher Education Director-General Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman in a ceremony at the Ministry of Higher Education.

Prof. Suriyani succeeded the former incumbent Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, whom the ministry had earlier appointed as the new UMT Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Suriyani obtained her bachelor’s degree in economics in 1999 from Universiti Malaya and her master’s degree in 2001 from London School of Economics (LSE), United Kingdom. In 2007, she obtained her Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.

Prof. Suriyani first became a tutor at UMT, formerly known as Kolej Universiti Terengganu (KUT), in 1999. Throughout her career, she has been trusted with various administrative posts, such as Head of Department of Economics, Deputy Dean (Academic and Students Affairs), and Deputy Dean (Talent and Research).

In July 2015, Prof. Suriyani was appointed as the Dean of the School of Economics and Social Development. She decided to take a sabbatical leave in 2018 to strengthen and expand her expertise in the academic field after having assumed administrative roles for nearly 10 years.

In August 2022, she was once again appointed as the Dean of the Faculty of Business, Economics, and Social Development, in recognition of her previous achievements and administrative commitment.

She vacated the post in January 2025 after she was appointed as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & International) of UMT.

As the new incumbent to the post, Prof. Suriyani is committed to driving excellence in teaching and learning at UMT. “I hope that all staff will collaborate and work as one team to enhance the academic excellence of UMT students,” said the seventh Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & International).

She also intends for UMT to continue its rapid growth with the goal of improving its ranking both nationally and internationally. “My aim is for UMT to gain recognition on the global stage through partnerships with leading universities worldwide, student exchange programmes, and participation in global research projects,” said Prof. Suriyani, the second female to hold the post at UMT.