Razak Chair Accomplishments

Over the last four decades, the Tun Abdul Razak Chair position at Ohio University has created numerous unique opportunities to advance greater knowledge and awareness of Malaysian history, culture, economic, social and political life in the United States. Here are a few of the many accomplishments of the Tun Abdul Razak Chair at Ohio University.

Approximately 2,400 Malaysian citizens hold degrees from Ohio University.

This represents a significant contribution to the formation of educated citizens, the training of manpower necessary for the national development of Malaysia, and an important contribution to Malaysian-American understanding.

Malaysian Resource Center in Alden Library

Since 1987, Ohio University’s Vernon L. Alden library has been designated by the Malaysian government as the sole repository for Malaysian materials in North America. The Malaysian Resource Center houses the finest research collection on Malaysia in the Americas and contributes to the dissemination of knowledge and understanding about Malaysia and Southeast Asia in the United States by lending thousands of books to users throughout North America each year.

Ohio University's "twinning" with higher education institutions in Malaysia

Ohio University is acknowledged as the pioneer of “twinning” of higher education institutions in Malaysia. Ohio University began its historic relationship with the MARA Institute of Technology (now UiTM) in 1968. Ohio University was privileged to collaborate with UiTM as it developed into one of the most influential institutions of higher learning in Malaysia and contributed to the establishment of its business school.

Ohio University and UiTM Bachelor of Business Administration program

Ohio University launched its cooperative OU-UiTM Bachelor of Business Administration program in 1975. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Executive MBA (EMBA) programs were developed afterward. In 1994, Ohio University became the largest producer of MBA and EMBA graduates in Malaysia through its partnership with UiTM. This helped Malaysia address a critical manpower shortage identified by Malaysia national development planners. These programs were phased out as UiTM began to offer its own degree programs.

Ohio University's corporate MBA program with Tenaga Nasional Berhard in Selangor

Ohio University’s now completed corporate MBA program with Tenaga Nasional Berhad in Selangor represented a pioneering partnership between higher education and the private sector in Malaysia. The program was subsequently replicated with the Sarawak Civil Service in Kuching.

Distinguished Malaysians hold honorary degrees from Ohio University

These individuals include:

  • Tan Sri Arshad Ayub, first Director of the MARA Institute of Technology, UiTM (1973)
  • Tun Hussein Onn, the late Prime Minister of Malaysia, (1981)
  • The late His Royal Highness, Tuanku Ja’afar Ibn Al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the tenth Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia (1990)
  • The late Tan Sri Dr Ani Arope, former chairman of UiTM Council and former executive chairman of Tenaga Nasional Berhad  (1991)
  • The International Leadership Award was given to Yg Bhg. Tun Musa Hitam, former Minister of Education, former Deputy Prime Minister, and the current Chairman of Sime Darby Foundation (1980).
15 senior Malaysian scholars have served as Tun Abdul Razak Chairs since 1981

Fifteen senior Malaysian scholars  have held the Tun Abdul Razak Chair since 1981 and have developed first-hand knowledge of the American people and American society by living and working in the U.S. More than 100 Ohio University professors have taught and conducted academic activities in Malaysia, resulting in a substantial cadre of American scholars with first-hand knowledge of Malaysia by having lived in the country and forged personal connections.

Malay/Indonesian language taught at Ohio University

The Malay/Indonesian language is taught at Ohio University and a substantial number of Americans have learned the language and developed a deeper understanding and appreciation of Malaysia.

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