NILAI – Tan Sri Dr. Nik Norzrul Thani bin N. Hassan Thani has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), effective from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2026. His appointment, made by the Minister of Higher Education, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, is to replace Dato’ Seri Dr. Haji Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, whose term will conclude on September 30, 2023.

He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) (Hons) degree from the University of Buckingham (1984), a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from Queen Mary College, University of London, and was called to the Bar as a Barrister at Law, Lincoln’s Inn in 1985. He later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London in 1993.

Furthermore, he was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Harvard Law School, Harvard University, USA, from 1996 to 1997 and a Chevening Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, University of Oxford, from 2004 to 2005.

In the field of academia, he served as a lecturer at Kulliyyah Undang-Undang, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) from 1987 to 1996 before pursuing a career as a lawyer at Baker & McKenzie (an international law firm) in Singapore (June 1997 to May 1998) and most recently as the chairman/consultant at Malaysia’s largest law firm, Zaid Ibrahim & Co. (in association with KPMG Law) (June 1998 to the present).

Drawing upon his legal expertise, he has also been involved in writing various series of articles and books, particularly in the field of legislation, in addition to being entrusted with various directorship roles in various companies.

In terms of collaboration between him and USIM, it is noteworthy that he previously served as a member of the Investment Committee at USIM from October 2021 to October 2023.

USIM warmly welcomes his appointment to this new position by the Minister of Higher Education. His expertise and experience are expected to play a pivotal role in upholding the university’s commitment to excellence in integrating Naqli and Aqli knowledge. Furthermore, the university expresses its heartfelt appreciation to Dato’ Seri Dr. Haji Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri for his dedicated service as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the University. His contributions have been instrumental in enhancing USIM’s visibility, both nationally and internationally.

Written by:
Nor Fadzlina Azahari
Pusat Komunikasi Strategik (StraComm)
Aras 1, Canselori Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai Negeri Sembilan