By UOW Malaysia KDU

A VISIONARY doyen of multiple industries, YBhg Datuk Seri (Dr.) Michael Yam Kong Choy, has been appointed the Chancellor of UOW Malaysia KDU.

The Chancellor’s appointment was recently announced by the UOWM Sdn Bhd – Paramount Corporation Sdn Bhd Joint Board. The Chairman of the Joint Board Mr. Noel Cornish AM, speaking on behalf of the Board hailed the appointment: “The search for a Chancellor has culminated in an acclaimed and charismatic industry leader who will enhance the stature and reputability of UOW Malaysia KDU”.

YBhg Datuk Seri Yam has an illustrious career, spanning over 36 years, in the construction, real estate and corporate finance sectors, not only in Malaysia but also in the UK, South Africa and Australia. He helmed two award-winning public-listed property companies as Managing Director and CEO and served in blue chip companies such as Landmarks Berhad, Peremba Malaysia, Country Heights Holdings Berhad and Sunrise Berhad in the past. In 2002, he was awarded ‘CEO of the Year’ for Malaysia by American Express Corporate Services and Business Times.

He currently sits on the boards of numerous corporations including the current Chairmanship of InvestKL Corporation, an investment promotion agency under the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia Airports (Niaga) Sdn Bhd, KL Airport Hotel Sdn Bhd and several other large business entities. He is also the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of public listed Paramount Corporation Berhad and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.

YBhg Datuk Seri Yam has racked up commendable achievements in the philanthropic, non-governmental organisation and academic domains. He is the Patron of the Malaysian Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (REHDA), Trustee of REHDA Institute and Trustee of Standard Chartered Foundation, an appointment he held when he served as an independent director of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad from 2010-2019. He is also the incumbent Senior Vice President of the 187-year-old Chartered Institute of Building with a membership of 45,000 professionals and students across the globe.

He has served as an Adjunct Professor, guest lecturer, host, moderator, and speaker at universities, conferences, and webinars. In 2021, coinciding with its 200th anniversary, Heriot-Watt University conferred him with an Honorary Doctorate. YBhg Datuk Seri Yam graduated in Building and Management Studies in 1979 from the University of Westminster UK after attending the premier Royal Military College boarding school. He subsequently qualified professionally as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors after gaining relevant working experience in the UK and Malaysia.

As the Chancellor, YBhg Datuk Seri Yam presides over the conferment of academic and education awards granted by UOW Malaysia KDU. The Chancellor heads the Convocation for conferment of degrees, diplomas and other academic awards to graduands of UOW Malaysia KDU; confers honorary degrees and other awards; and presides over such other ceremonies as befits the office of the Chancellor. The newly minted Chancellor also has an ambassadorial role as an advocate articulating and promoting the Vision, Mission and achievements of UOW Malaysia KDU in the public domain.

Ms. Jennifer Ng, UOWMKDU CEO cum UOWGE CEO Asia welcomed YBhg Datuk Seri Yam’s appointment on behalf of the staff and students. She said that “we have no doubt that our Chancellor will play an exemplary role in championing our vision to be a leading education provider delivering transformative student experiences in Malaysia and the region and our Mission to collaborate with local and global communities to deliver quality teaching, learning and research, nurturing global leaders with a truly international outlook”.