SEGi University’s Faculty of Dentistry has taken an exciting step forward with the appointment of its new Dean, Captain RMN (R) Dato’ Professor Emeritus (U.M.) Dr. Hashim Yaacob, a revered figure in higher education leadership and dental academia. The announcement, made during the faculty’s Orientation event, saw over 70 new students welcomed by key academic leaders, including Vice Chancellor Professor ChM Dr. Teh Geok Bee FASc and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research, and Innovation, Professor Dr. Srikumar Chakravarthi.
The event also marked a poignant moment of transition as SEGi bid farewell to the outgoing Dean, Prof Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Termizi Zamzuri, and enthusiastically introduced Professor Dato’ Hashim Yaacob, who have joined SEGi University since 2 September 2024. This leadership change signifies the beginning of a new chapter in the Faculty of Dentistry’s esteemed history, with Professor Hashim bringing decades of unparalleled expertise and visionary leadership.
An Illustrious Career in Dentistry and University Leadership
Professor Dato’ Hashim Yaacob’s distinguished career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to education, research, and professional excellence. As a former Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry and later Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malaya, Professor Hashim’s leadership transformed the institution into a global powerhouse in dental education. Under his deanship, the University of Malaya’s Bachelor of Dental Surgery earned the coveted recognition from the General Dental Council of Great Britain—a hallmark of academic rigour and international prestige.
His tenure as Vice-Chancellor further cemented his reputation as an academic innovator. Professor Hashim forged international collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the Universities of Cambridge, Peking, Carnegie Mellon, Frankfurt, Seoul, Tokyo Medical and Dental, and the National University of Singapore. His strategic vision focused on elevating academic standards and expanding the university’s global footprint, shaping the direction of Malaysian higher education for years to come.
A Leader in Dental Innovation and Research
Professor Hashim’s contributions to the field of dentistry are unparalleled. With numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and several patents to his name, his research has earned him recognition on the global stage. Most notably, his recent 2024 publication on salivary glands was ranked among the top 10% of dental research by the WoS Indexed Journals Series. His scientific inventions have garnered gold, silver, and bronze medals at international competitions, further establishing his reputation as a pioneer in dental research.
As an educator, Professor Hashim is committed to fostering the next generation of dental professionals through rigorous academic programmes. He played an instrumental role in setting up Malaysia’s postgraduate clinical and academic courses in dentistry at the University of Malaya, ensuring the rapid production of skilled dental specialists to meet the country’s growing needs.
A Knighted Leader and Celebrated Academic
Beyond his academic accolades, Professor Hashim’s contributions have been recognised through numerous national and international honours. He is a Knight Commander of Kelantan (SPSK) and the recipient of the Pahlawan Angkatan Tentera (P.A.T.) medal for his service to the Armed Forces of Malaysia. His dedication to lifelong learning, teaching, and research remains unwavering, making him an inspiration to both students and peers alike.
A New Era for SEGi University’s Faculty of Dentistry
SEGi University is excited to welcome Professor Hashim Yaacob as the new Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry. His leadership will undoubtedly elevate the faculty to new heights, strengthening its commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and international collaboration.
As SEGi embarks on this new chapter, it is clear that under Professor Hashim’s guidance, the Faculty of Dentistry is poised to continue its tradition of producing top-tier dental professionals, grounded in excellence and global perspective.
