As president and pro-vice-chancellor, Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman is focused on transforming Monash University Malaysia in the state of Selangor into a world-leading educational institution at the heart of Southeast Asia, a culturally diverse region with a population of more than 600 million.

“We’re very established here in Malaysia as a foreign branch campus that’s fully comprehensive in terms of its offerings,” said Kamarulzaman, adding the university aspires to build a reputation that goes beyond Malaysia and extends across the Indo-Pacific region.

With her extensive background in medicine, particularly in the field of HIV/AIDS, Kamarulzaman brings a wealth of experience in leadership, education, and research. A graduate of Monash University, she has held important positions, among them Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Malaya and an Adjunct Associate Professor at Yale University.

Her pioneering work in HIV research, including the establishment of Malaysia’s Centre of Excellence for Research on AIDS (CERiA), exemplifies her dedication to health, community welfare, and multi-disciplinary research efforts.

Under her leadership, Monash University Malaysia is making strides in advanced sectors, particularly semiconductors and engineering.

“We already have a roadmap of offerings in the semiconductor sectors,” she said, referring to the university’s efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s talent pool amid the rising demand for highly-skilled workers.

By fostering research and educational excellence, Kamarulzaman is positioning Monash University Malaysia as a key player in the region’s growth and in the country’s vision to equip future generations with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.