Former UTM VC Honoured With National Technologist Award 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- Former Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) seventh vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail was today named the recipient of the National Technologist Award 2025, the nation’s highest recognition for contributions in technology, innovation and talent development.

In a statement, UTM said the award, endorsed by the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT), was presented by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.

"The recognition highlights Prof Fauzi’s achievements in advancing membrane technology research, covering water treatment, desalination, gas separation and sustainable energy, while linking university research with the needs of industry and society,” read the statement.

Ahmad Fauzi founded the Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC) in 1990, which was later recognised as a Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) by the Ministry of Higher Education, establishing AMTEC as a world-class research centre in membrane technology.

A chemical engineer by training, he earned a Bachelor of Petroleum Engineering (B.Eng) and a Master’s in Chemical Engineering (MSc) from UTM in 1989 and 1992, before completing his PhD in Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

UTM described him as a distinguished alumnus who has consistently brought honour to the university internationally, and as one of Malaysia’s most influential technologists whose legacy extends beyond borders through academic leadership, research excellence and mentoring of future scientists and engineers.

“The achievement also reflects UTM’s aspiration to focus on high-impact research and innovation, and to produce top-quality talent for the benefit of industry, community and national development, in line with its motto, ‘Kerana Tuhan untuk Manusia’ (In the name of God for Mankind),” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Fauzi in the same statement said the award was not only a personal honour but also recognition of the collective efforts of researchers, students and industry partners who believe in the potential of membrane technology.

“Innovation should not stop in the laboratory. It must reach the community, address real challenges and help build a sustainable future,” he said.

To date, he has received more than 200 national and international awards, including the ASEAN Young Scientist Award in 2001, the 2023 Mustafa Prize, the Elsevier Groundbreaking Research Award 2025, and the Merdeka Award 2014.

-- BERNAMA