Prof. Dr. Firdaus Abdullah

Rector

UiTM Cawangan Sarawak

Professor Dr. Firdaus Abdullah is a distinguished academic leader, researcher, and strategic industry consultant currently serving as the Rector of UiTM Sarawak. His contributions to higher education were recognized when he was named among the Top 10 Education Leaders From Asia 2025 by the Asia Education Review. His international academic foundation includes a Doctorate in Business Administration from Australia, a Master of Business Administration from the United Kingdom, alongside a degree and diploma from France. Prior to his current appointment, Professor Firdaus served as the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management. His executive leadership has been recognized with numerous accolades, notably the Pingat Bintang Kenyalang (P.B.K.) awarded by the Sarawak State Government in 2022. Bridging academic research and practical application, he has spearheaded 35 research and consultancy initiatives valued at over RM10.7 million. These high-value projects involve extensive collaboration with a diverse network of public and private sector organizations. Furthermore, he serves as an expert consultant for various state and federal ministries, as well as prominent Government-Linked Companies.

His scholarly output includes 46 refereed journal articles, 8 books, 20 keynote addresses, and 82 international conference proceedings. Holding 9 patents and copyrights for original innovations and designs, he maintains a strong academic presence with a Scopus h-index of 10 and over 1,100 citations. Recognized as a Foreign High Talent in China, Professor Firdaus holds visiting professorships at universities in both China and Cyprus. His global governance footprint extends to roles as Vice President of the Honorary Board for the European Marketing and Management Association, Professional Fellow at the Asia Pacific Institute of Events Management, External Advisory Council member for the University City of Sharjah in the UAE, and Editorial Board Member at the Institute of Economic Research, Romanian Academy. As a lead initiator, he has orchestrated over 50 strategic agreements that successfully integrate Malaysian academia with global institutions. Active in community development and local governance, he serves on the boards of the Sarawak Sports Corporation and Pustaka Negeri Sarawak. He balances his executive responsibilities with an active engagement in competitive sports, reflecting a grounded and holistic approach to personal and professional excellence.