Charting a Blueprint for Academic Transformation - Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim
- 2 days ago
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Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim, Vice-Chancellor, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, lays out his vision for a future-ready, globally respected technological university
From the lab to the boardroom, Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim ’s path mirrors how academia keeps evolving—he’s gone from hands-on innovation in computer vision to steering Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) through big changes. His credentials are substantial: over 219 indexed publications, 42 PhD students mentored, an h-index of 34, and even a patented image processing method. But these days, his role stretches way beyond research. He’s deep into governance, forging global partnerships, and making sure UTM stays resilient for the long haul. Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim
Talking to Corporate World, he opens up about the milestones that shaped his career, how he leads, and the legacy he wants to build with ASCEND 2030.
Q. Give us an overview of professional journey and key milestones that shaped your career.
I started out as a young academic, fascinated by computer science and image processing. That curiosity pushed me to dig deep into computer vision. Over the years, I led research projects that had real impact, guided 42 PhD students and 17 postgraduates, and built strong ties with industry.
Probably my most significant contribution was improving image processing methods, which led to a patent—“A Method for Processing Image” (PI 2014 700826). I also secured international funding, including a grant from the EU Horizon 2020 programme. So far, I’ve published over 219 indexed articles and reached an h-index of 34 on Scopus.
But my work hasn’t been limited to research. I’ve taken on a bunch of leadership roles at UTM—Head of Department, Deputy Director, COO of SPACE College, Deputy Dean, Assistant Dean, and Chair of Undergraduate Studies. I also launched three major initiatives: the Media and Game Innovation Centre of Excellence (UTM MaGICX), SPACE College, and the Institute for Life Ready Graduate (UTM iLeaGue).
A real turning point for me was moving from academic leadership into shaping broader strategy—developing the research ecosystem, improving governance, and pushing for digital transformation. All of this led up to where I am now, guiding UTM as we roll out ASCEND 2030.
Q. How do you define your core leadership philosophy, and how has it evolved over your tenure?
For me, leadership rests on four things: integrity, synergy, excellence, and sustainability.
I don’t see it as just telling people what to do. It’s more about bringing everyone together, empowering people at every level, and making sure we’re all moving in the same direction. Higher education isn’t simple anymore. You need to be clear about where you’re going, but you also need everyone on board, moving together.
ASCEND 2030 really shows how my approach has grown. Universities have to be ready for what’s next—quick to pick up new tech, financially solid, globally connected, and rooted in society.
Q. What does a typical day look like for you?
Honestly, no two days look the same, but there’s always intention behind what I do. My main job is to keep UTM in step with national education and innovation goals, build global connections, uphold academic standards, keep our finances healthy, and make sure governance stays strong.
I spend a lot of time talking to people—government folks, industry partners, international collaborators, alumni, university leaders. As Vice-Chancellor, I’m always balancing today’s challenges and tomorrow’s big picture.
Q. What’s the vision you are building for UTM?
ASCEND 2030 isn’t just a plan on paper—it’s our blueprint for transformation.
We want UTM to stand out as a top global tech university, leading in AI, sustainability, advanced engineering, and digital innovation. We’re working to stay deeply connected with industry, remain financially solid, and keep our governance strong.
With AI reshaping the world, climate issues growing, and geopolitics shifting, staying relevant takes vision. Our roadmap is built so UTM doesn’t just react to change—we drive it.
Q. What long-term vision are you building for the university?
ASCEND 2030 isn’t just another strategy on paper—it’s our playbook for real transformation. We want UTM to stand out as a top global tech university, leading the way in AI, sustainability, advanced engineering, and digital innovation. We're not just aiming for academic excellence; we’re working to be tightly connected with industry, financially solid, and strong in our governance.
The world’s changing fast—AI is shaking things up, the climate crisis is urgent, and global politics keeps shifting. Staying relevant means thinking ahead. Our plan isn’t just about keeping up. We want UTM to set the pace.
Q. How is UTM strengthening research culture and translating research into real-world impact?
We’re doubling down on research by pushing interdisciplinary flagship clusters, building global partnerships, setting up industry-backed labs, investing in mentoring young researchers, and putting money into promising AI projects right here on campus.
But let’s be honest—impact is more than just publishing papers. We look at patents, launching start-ups, helping shape policy, and making real changes in communities. For us, success means creating economic value, improving lives, and showing technological leadership for Malaysia.
Q. What advice would you offer aspiring academic leaders?
First, earn your recognition as a scholar—academic excellence always comes first. Then, get to know how governance and finances work. Universities are complicated, and you need strategic discipline to steer them.
And don’t forget emotional intelligence. Leading today means facing uncertainty, working with all kinds of people, and sometimes making tough calls. Most important, keep your ambition grounded in service. Academic leadership isn’t about prestige—it’s about stewardship.
Q. Looking ahead, what legacy would you like to leave?
For me, legacy is all about building a strong institution. If ASCEND 2030 works the way we hope, UTM will be known around the world—not just for our rankings, but for being financially resilient, heavy on research, closely tied to industry, and for turning out ethical, tech-savvy leaders who make a real difference for Malaysia.
If, years from now, people remember UTM for courage, integrity, and real impact—not just numbers on a chart—that’s the legacy I’d be proud to leave.
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