Leading Innovation Towards Universal Prosperity

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Leading Innovation Towards Universal Prosperity Authors: Wahid Omar 2015 ISBN 978-983-52-1039-6 146 pages RM 40.00 Subject General

Leading innovation would not only strengthen the innovation culture of UTM as an institution, but would also foster and nurture the innovation ability of UTM graduates. We aspire for innovation to be synonymous with UTM and become an ingrained culture, rather than merely acting as a tag line or ‘brand promise’. UTM through a concerted effort across the university, embraces innovative strategies in all dimensions while encouraging a mindset of entrepreneurial culture. Universal prosperity is the ultimate goal as clearly articulated in the philosophy of UTM which is in line with the country’s mission to generate wealth through capacity building and innovative technologies. Additionally, as a Research University, UTM has a responsibility to not only excel in research and development initiatives with impactful innovations, but also be able to generate wealth from the outcomes of research and development. It is only through imagination and the ability to innovate would a solution be achieved in ensuring that the products of research can be commercialized. Wahid Omar is a Professor of Structural Engineering at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). He was appointed as the Vice–Chancellor of UTM in September 2013. His philosophical view of life is to always uphold trust and exercise wisdom in whatever he does, striving for excellence, both in his personal and professional capacity. He believes that in contributing to any good cause, sincerity, passion and commitment are essential.

Wahid Omar obtained his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from the University of Birmingham, his Master’s degree in Bridge Engineering from the University of Surrey, and his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom. He is also a Professional Engineer registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia. He is a member of several professional organisations including the Asian Concrete Forum, American Concrete Institute (Kuala Lumpur Chapter), and the Institute of Engineers Malaysia. His areas of expertise include structural assessment, reinforced and pre–stressed concrete, and ductility of high strength concrete and project management. Prior to his present appointment, he was UTM Deputy Vice–Chancellor (Development) (2011–2013) and UTM Director of Works at the Office of Asset and Development (2008–1011). In his capacity as the latter, he was entrusted with a major task to manage the UTM campus development projects worth RM1 billion. While many saw this as a huge challenge, he viewed it as an opportunity of a lifetime. This positive attitude, combined with his expert knowledge, enabled him to manage the project successfully. As the Vice–Chancellor of UTM, he sees himself as a leader who aspires to steer the university to greater heights towards becoming the top 50 Engineering and Technology University in the world.