From Wolverhampton to Malaysian head of state – University honours inspirational graduate

‌Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Juhar bin Datuk Haji Mahiruddin, is Head of State for Sabah, one of three states of Malaysia, located in the eastern part of the island of Borneo.

He is also Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah, which has close links with Wolverhampton.

Wolverhampton’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Geoff Layer will be conferring the Doctor of Laws in Sabah on Tuesday (MAR18). A ceremony will be held at the Chancellor Hall, Universti Malaysia Sabah, in front of a 4,000-strong audience, including several Malaysian University of Wolverhampton alumni and the Speaker of the Federal Parliament Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Pandikar Amin Bin Haji Mulia.

Professor Layer said: “The University is presenting the award in recognition of His Excellency’s outstanding career in law and politics, leading to the King of Malaysia appointing him as the 10th Head of State of Sabah in 2011.

“He is a genuine ambassador for our University and will have a real impact on our reputation on a global stage. He very much demonstrates what we mean when we talk about the University of Wolverhampton being the University of Opportunity.”

After graduation, His Excellency went on to practice law and later moved into politics.

The University of Wolverhampton has strong links with Malaysia and a memorandum of understanding was agreed with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) at the House of Lords last year.

Both institutions will collaborate in the development of academic programmes around Oil and Gas, Nursing, Banking and Finance, as well as developing research opportunities.

The programmes will be delivered with UMS in Sabah but both organisations are also exploring opportunities for student and staff exchanges.

ENDS

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