Kuala lumpur: The chairman of Tabung Haji's board of directors, Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain, has been appointed as the 10th International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) president for three years, effective today. The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) announced this decision, stating that Abdul Rashid will replace Tan Sri Samsudin Osman, whose term as the ninth IIUM president has concluded. This appointment has been approved by IIUM Constitutional Head Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdul Rashid, the founder of the Rashid Hussain Berhad (RHB) Banking Group, joined the IIUM board of governors in 2018. He has also been serving as the pro-chancellor of Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) since last year. His appointment is based on his expertise in the corporate sector, with a particular focus on Islamic finance.

The Ministry of Higher Education expressed confidence that Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain's leadership will further establish IIUM as a center of academic excellence with Islamic values while boosting its prominence and competitiveness both nationally and internationally. The ministry also extended its gratitude to Tan Sri Samsudin Osman for his contributions and services during his tenure.