The inspiring journey of Professor Datuk Ts Dr Massila Kamalrudin, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), is a testament to her dedication, innovation and visionary leadership. In an interview with Top 10 of Malaysia, Massila talks about her remarkable career and the milestones that have defined her leadership at UTeM.
Professor Datuk Ts Dr Massila Kamalrudin, the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) has over 20 years of academic and administrative experience. “My roles have included being Deputy Dean, research coordinator and strategic collaborator with international partners. My passion lies in software engineering and research, and I’ve led numerous projects, published widely and contributed significantly to TVET and university-industry collaborations,” says Dr Massila.
Dr Massila describes her leadership style as a blend of transformational, collaborative and adaptive leadership. “I focus on inspiring those around me to achieve their fullest potential while ensuring alignment with the institution’s vision and goals.”
“During my tenure as Vice Chancellor, I introduced pioneering initiatives such as industry certification programmes and the development of postgraduate interdisciplinary courses like Engineering Business Management and Business Information Management,” says Dr Massila enthusiastically.
Under her leadership, UTeM achieved significant recognition in prestigious global rankings. As Chairman of Malaysian Technical University Network, Dr Massila has driven impactful initiatives that align technical universities with Malaysia’s Industry 4.0 and sustainable development goals. This includes fostering collaboration across institutions to enhance graduate employability, research outputs and community engagement.
“Pursue your passion with perseverance and never stop learning. Excellence requires effort, and setbacks are a part of the journey. Stay curious, embrace change and build strong networks. Surround yourself with mentors who can guide you and peers who inspire you. Lastly, remember to give back to your community as true success is measured by the positive impact you leave behind,” says Dr Massila.
