Highly-respected Malaysian academic receives Honorary Degree from Essex

Highly-respected Malaysian academic Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid was today awarded an Honorary Degree by the University of Essex.

An Essex alumnus, he is currently Vice-Chancellor of the University College of Technology Sarawak.

Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin is a true member of the Essex alumni family. He gained a PhD in Electronic Engineering at Essex – going on to build a hugely successful academic career as a direct result of his Essex experience.

During the graduation ceremony, Professor Anthony Vickers, Head of our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, explained how Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin “has remained a great friend and supporter of the University to this day”.

After receiving his Honorary Degree, Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin said: “Essex will always hold a special place in my heart for it is here where I started my research journey and I had the opportunity to learn and get experience for the best people in the field of research excellence.”

He congratulated the University on being ranked one the best universities in the UK for its research quality and international outlook. “Therefore it is a very wonderful feeling to receive this recognition from such a globally-renowned university here in Colchester.”

He came to study at Essex with his wife Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain, who embarked on a Master’s degree in business management. Their son, Ashman, is studying for a Masters in International Management – having completed his BSc in International Business and Entrepreneurship in Southend Campus last year.

Before receiving his Honorary Degree he joined Essex Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster in signing a progression agreement between the University of Essex and the University College of Technology Sarawak. The agreement will enable Sarawak students in economics and business to do part of their degree course at Sarawak and then complete it at Essex.

Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin has received a number of official honours in his home country of Malaysia, and in 2010 he was given the prestigious Malaysian title of Datuk, which is the equivalent to a knighthood here in the UK.