Address of YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak
in conjunction with the Welcoming of the in-coming Vice-Chancellor,
the Albukhary International University,
10 October 2011

It is my honor and privilege to be able to join Albukhary International University together with many of you who have in the last few years, dedicated to lend your names to build AIU under the leadership Y Bhg Dato’ Sharom Ahmat.

I am very sure, like me, all of you wanted to be associated with this University because of its vision, mission and values that it articulates particularly in redefining the role of higher learning institutions in this new millennium. In the coming years, higher learning institutions will face challenges of greater disparities, in contrast to what is often claimed as a “leveler of society”. The cost of education has increased significantly especially for foreign students who will not hesitate to venture elsewhere as the avenue for exchanges and mobility are easily accessible under the so-called global village!

Yet, through my limited involvement in higher education, nationally and internationally, I am often rudely awakened to the fact that the reality is different. Today, higher education tends to be more inequitable, and its relevance to the urgent needs to the humanity is being threatened.

Yesterday, in my weekly column in the New Sunday Times, I quoted from a UNESCO publication dated, some 15 years ago, in 1996 which noted that “education is still living in the past because its present social context is totally different from the situation for which it was designed. Education must not only be adapted to the needs of our age, it must also make a real effort to look ahead some twenty-five years.”

The statement resonates very forcefully in my heart that something must be done to mitigate the situation, particularly in the Global South, where educational needs seem to be so much more desperate, if not dire - this is where Albukhary International University stands up like a beacon of hope for the future, responding to this cry of despair. Some may argue what can a relatively small and new university like AIU do? My categorical response is, AIU dare to be different and uniquely so, not because it wanted just to be different but because only by “challenging the status quo” vis-à-vis the prevailing higher education phenomena can we arrive at a new vista, a new thinking which is away from the trodden path, and only then we will see the beginning of new solutions right before our eyes.

I am fully convinced that the founder of AIU is spot on when he first thought of AIU some two decades ago as to how he could contribute to society in the spirit of uplifting the well-being of the community. He has been inspirational in translating this dream that many of us has come to share, and it is up to us now to ensure that AIU becomes what it is intended to be, and more.

Perhaps we should be reminded that the oldest degree-awarding academic institution in existence was founded by one Fatima al-Fihri in 859; which incidentally is also based on a “wakaf” concept that is originally intended to serve the community in Fes, Morocco. Fatima was a daughter of a well-to-do businessman, and she is said to have fasted during the building of the university, now known as the University of Qarawiyyin. I am glad to note the architectural façade of that University is now replicated in one of the building in AIU.

It only goes to show that AIU is equally sensitive about the historical past and links with the future.

AIU has set in its mission to be a “model” university, and this means that it has taken a leadership position. It is even more challenging for all of us to ascertain that we provide that leadership in advancing higher education forward in the 21st century and beyond.

You have demonstrated this by undertaking many enviable tasks within a short period of time, and I am privilege to join hands with you today to carry the good work that many of you have successfully accomplished with such dedication and loyalty under the banner of our noble mission.

I can only look forward to exciting times ahead, and be mindful that there are still many challenges for us to resolve as we blaze new trails for the future together.

I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Chairman of the Albukhary Foundation, its Vice-Chairman, representative of the Albukhary Foundation, and management and staff of Albukhary International University for accepting me into their fold. I also wish to congratulate YBhg Dato’ Sharom for making an excellent start to what seems to be a wonderful future, and to Prof Peter, AIU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor - another individual who has been managing the University’s daily operational affairs; both of whom I look forward to work with and learn from.

Certainly, to the larger community of AIU, we will interact in the most meaningful ways across cultures and divides – this being an “international” university – and bring out the best in all of us for the cause of humanity through education with a heart.

On that note, let me share with you a quote from the late legendary Steve Jobs: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinion drown out your own inner voice. And more importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Reflect on this in the context of the future of higher education and where AIU wants to be, I think there are much lessons that all of us can draw from it to make AIU what it deserves to be.

ORIENTATION WEEK
The Albukhary International University held the Orientation Programme for new and returning students from 12th September to 17th September, 2011, before the beginning of the academic year. Our extensive New Student Orientation was a week-long event, designed to help students learn about the university, familiarise themselves with the campus, meet other students, find classrooms, and gain access to our existing resources that can help them make the academic, social, emotional and spiritual transitions to campus life.

From their first day on campus, we wanted new, international as well as local, students to feel at home and to be aware of the opportunities they had available to them, both on campus and in the community. The event was organised by The Student Affairs Department and Registry Office, assisted by the Intensive English Programme (IEP) students.

The orientation week included:
 • Course and faculty welcomes and activities.
 • Social programmes organized by the IEP students.
 • Meeting student mentors.
 • Campus and library tours.

About 293 students and parents attended the programme on the first day. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pieter Kachelhoffer officially welcomed all students and their parents to AIU in the Convocation Hall. In his inaugural speech, he spoke about the vision, mission, core values and criteria for the award of scholarships by AIU. Then, Prof Pieter talked about the staff and facilities at AIU.

The Registrar also gave important information and advice on the registration process, which took place on the first day of Orientation Week. The Head of Student Affairs provided a brief overview of student support, rules and regulations. Finally, Deans of all the faculties and Head of Center for Foundation Studies briefed the students on their respective Departments/Center.

After the orientation week, the new students, together with the IEP students who had successfully completed the English courses, began their studies at the Centre for Foundation Studies on 19th September, 2011.

Registration of new students	Staff from Registry Department assisting students in their registrations
Prof. Pieter Kachelhoffer’s Welcoming Address in AIU Convocation Hall	Students filling in application forms to open a bank account
Students queuing for lunch in the AIU Cafeteria	Librarian conducting a tour of the AIU Library
Students playing games in the Center Court Yard	AIU students in the Center Court Yard after Orientation Day

AIU Deputy Vice Chancellor’s Visit to Somaliland
On invitation from Mr. Abdirizak Mohamed Mohamoud, Ambassador of Somaliland in Malaysia, Professor Pieter Kachelhoffer, Deputy Vice Chancellor of AIU, visited Somaliland in August 2011. The aims were to pay a courtesy visit to the country, establish contacts for future recruitment of students and administer placement test for candidates enrolling for the Foundation Program that started in September.

Professor Pieter’s visit coincided with the arrival of a delegation of Malaysian organizations and TV3 journalists, who would produce a program on Somaliland for broadcast in Malaysia. These organizations’ aims were to establish closer ties between Malaysia and Somaliland. The Malaysian group was honored by an invitation to visit the President of Somaliland, H. E. Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo. They also made several short visits to Ministers and Heads of Government Departments.

Somaliland is an impoverished country. This is due to its history, and also Somaliland is not recognized by the international community as a separate and sovereign country. This discourages multinational companies to establish their business in Somaliland and develop natural resources of the country. Somaliland is a peaceful country with a stable government. Despite its widespread poverty and harsh conditions, there is no famine in Somaliland. Its citizens cope with the harsh conditions very well and manage to produce enough food for them through subsistence farming.

The citizens of Somaliland are very grateful to AIU, The Albukhary Foundation and Malaysia for the 10 scholarships made available annually to Somaliland students. Based on the vision and mission of AIU, where scholarships are only accessible to disadvantaged students, it is critically important to work with responsible and reliable people in the targeted countries to identify the most suitable candidates for the scholarships. These representatives have now been identified in Somaliland and should serve its purpose well in the future. The working relationship with Somaliland will also serve as an example for other countries to follow.

A typical picture in the Capital City Hargeisa	Accommodation of many people in Somaliland
Prof. Pieter conducting the English placement test at Hargeisa University	Somaliland students sitting for the AIU English placement test at Hargeisa University
Prof Pieter meeting the President of Somaliland	Mr President of Somaliland with delegation from Malaysia to Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland

Visit from DRB-Hicom
On 13th August 2011, a day after the Berbuka Puasa (IFTAR) function at the Albukhary Complex, a group of 60 staff from DRB-Hicom visited AIU. The group arrived at Auditorium 1 at 8 am. On hand to welcome them were Ms Kathryn Chek (Director, Human Resources & Corporate Communications), Puan Norpisah (Registrar), En. Ustaz Muhyiddin (Manager, Kompleks Albukhary) and En. Jamriss Jamaludin (Human Resource Manager, Kompleks Albukhary). At the welcoming ceremony, Ms Kathryn presented the welcoming speech and Puan Norpisah delivered a brief note on AIU. The group was later taken on a tour around the campus. Finally, the visit adjourned at the Center Court Yard with a group photo.

Ms. Kathryn Chek welcoming the visitors from DRB-Hicom at Auditorium 1	Ms Kathryn Chek explaining to the visitors at the Center Court Yard
En. Hasbullah Atan welcoming the visitors at the AIU Library	A group photo of the visitors at the Center Court Yard

Visit by Tradewinds (M) Berhad, Bank Muamalat (KL) and Rating Agency Malaysia
On 26 July 2011, AIU received a surprise visit from Tradewinds (M) Berhad, Bank Muamalat (KL) and Rating Agency Malaysia (RAM). The visitors were met by Ms Kathryn Chek – the Director, Human Resources & Corporate Communications, and En. Jamriss Jamaludin – the Human Resource Manager of Albukhary Complex. Before departing at 7 pm, they were guided on a quick tour around the campus.

Ms Kathryn (first from left) and En. Jamriss (third from left) guiding the visitors through the entrance to the Administration Building	The visitors at The School of Business Studies and ICT
Ms. Kathryn and En Jamriss with the visitors at Jalan AIU 4 between The School of Agriculture and The School of Humanities & Social Sciences	A group photo of the visitors at Persiaran AIU

A symbolic Cheque Presentation Ceremony from Bank Muamalat to AIU
On 6th July 2011, a Symbolic Cheque Presentation Ceremony was held at the Loungue - Student Centre, Albukhary International University. Puan Sarimah Bashah, Regional Manager (Northern) of Bank Muamalat handed over a cheque for RM 97,490.00 to Prof. Pieter, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of AIU. The event was witnessed (second from left) by Ustaz Muhyiddin – the Complex Manager (Albukhary Complex), Puan Norpisah Mat Isa – the Registrar, AIU, Ms Kathryn Chek – the Director, HR & Corp Comm, Puan Azni Binti Manaff – the Zone Manager (Regional Office), Bank Muamalat, En. Othman bin Muhammad – the Consumer Sales Executive (Souq Al-Bukhary Branch), and Dr Hassan Ali – the Dean, School of Business Studies and the Bursar of AIU

Prof. Pieter receiving a mock check from Puan Sarimah bt Fasah (Regional Manager – Northern, Bank Muamalat)

Visit from 79 High School Students
On 23 June 2011, AIU received a visit from 79 students whom attended Program Kem Belaian Mawadah organized by Community Education Centre Albukhary, at Kompleks Albukhary.

79 High School Students & 22 Teachers and Facilitators at AIU Center Court Yard

Visitors from Turkey – Dr Alparslan & Mr Bekir
On 18 - 19 June 2011, AIU received a visit from Dr Alparslan Acikgenc of Yildiz Technical University and Mr Bekir Demirkol. Prof Pieter gave a brief presentation to Dr Alparslan before he was invited for a campus tour with Puan Norpisah. The group also visited the the Orphanage Centre and Albukhary Mosque, together with Ustaz Muhyiddin, Jamriss Jamaludin & Abdul Hak Abdul Hamid of Kompleks Albukhary

Prof Pieter & Puan Norpisah with Dr Alparslan at the center courtyard of School of Business Studies & ICT	In one of the classroom at Centre for Foundation Studies
At the Orphanage Centre of Sharifah Rokiah Centre of Excellence	Dr Alparslan & Mr Bekir with Kompleks Albukhary staff in front of Albukhary Mosque

Introducing Aquatic Life into Pond B (AIU)
On 26 May 2011, AIU Development & Environment Committee organizes an event that’s introducing Aquatic Life into AIU Pond B. This is the first stage for developing Pond B as a recreational pond, and that is by introducing fishes into the pond. Prof Pieter was invited to officiate the release of the fish. A total of 2000 Cat fish and 2000 Red Talipia fish (sponsored by Malaysia Fisheries Department) were release into Pond B with the help from some AIU students.

Prof Pieter, En. Azmi, En. Saiful, En. Rosli Abdul Jalil (Fisheries) and AIU Students at AIU Pond B	Prof Pieter and AIU Students releasing a total of 4000 fishes at Pond B

Working visits by District Education Office of Seberang Perai Utara
On 25th May 2011, 38 counsellors from the Counselling Unit, Education Department District Office of Seberang Perai Utara made a working visit to AIU. The visit was requested by the Education Department District Office in an effort to know more of AIU. The group was received by Prof Pieter (Deputy Vice Chancellor) and Puan Norpisah (Registrar) at the Lecture Theatre Complex. Later, Prof Pieter gave a briefing on AIU to the counsellors, followed by Puan Norpisah (Registrar) about student admission into AIU.

The counsellors were then taken for a campus tour, including the School of ICT, Library, Convocation Hall, Student Hostel and Student Centre. At the end of the visit, the group presented a token of appreciation to AIU which was received by Prof Pieter.

Prof Pieter and Puan Norpisah on Q & A session with counselors in Lecture Hall 2	Prof Pieter taking 38 counselors on a campus tour
Visitors at classroom while students attending First Aid training conducted by St. John Ambulance of Kedah	Prof Pieter receiving a token of appreciation from one of the Counseling Officer

AGM of the Librarian Association of Malaysia (Northern Region)
Annual General Meeting of Librarian Association of Malaysia (Northern Region) has been hosted by AIU Library on 19 May 19 2011, at Albukhary International University Lecture Theatre Complex. The meeting was jointly organized by the Committee Member of the Librarian Association of Malaysia (Northern Region) and Kedah Public Library.

Dato’ Haji Khazali bin Din (Dato’ Bandar Alor Setar) was invited as the guest of honor for this meeting. Other delegates were Dr Zahidi bin Dato’ Zainul Rashid (Director of Kedah Public Library / Chairman of the Librarian Association of Malaysia (Northern Region)), invited guest from UiTM, Faculty of Information Management, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Raja Abdullah Yaacob as speaker to present his paper titled “Faculty of Information Management, UiTM: historical perspectives from Jalan Othman to Puncak Perdana”, and representative from Libraries of Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang and Kedah. They were welcomed by AIU Chief Librarian and Registrar.

Since AIU Library is still “fresh” in terms of its development, making the presence felt to the public at this moment is a must. Thus, one way to promote it is by hosting this AGM meeting. The initial goal is to develop and enhance relationship, sharing of information, resources, activities, facilities between AIU Library / Librarians and other libraries / Librarians of other institutions. During the Library tour, their views and ideas were noted which will benefit both members. AIU Library not only promoting its existence, but also seeking supports from them in organizing any upcoming activities.

Guest of Honour, Dato’ Haji Khazali bin Din (Dato’ Bandar Alor Setar) talking to AIU Students	Guest of Honour discussing about the books on display with Director of Kedah Public Library / Chairman of LAM (Northern Region)
Dr Zahidi bin Dato’ Zainul Rashid, (Director of Kedah Public Library/Chairman of the LAM (Northern Region) delivering a speech during AGM	Members of Librarian Association of Malaysia (Northern Region) from Perak, Perlis, Penang and Kedah at Auditorium 1

Visit By UMT of Pakistan
On 26th April 2011, AIU received a visit from Prof. Dr. A Rashid Kausar (Pro-Rector – University of Management and Technology, Pakistan), Mr. Arfan Shahzad (Univeristi Utara Malaysia) and Mr. Ammar Rashid (Phd Candicate of Oakland University, New Zealand).

The visitors were welcome by Prof Pieter and Puan Norpisah at the Meeting Room, Level 2 of AIU Administration Building. Prof Pieter gave a brief on AIU to the visitors and then a campus tour to experience the excellent facilities at AIU available to student.

Visitors from University of Management and Technology, Pakistan where shown around AIU Library	Prof Pieter and Puan Norpisah taking a group picture with the visitors in Lecture Hall No. 2
Visitors walking through the corridor of the Lecture Theatre Complex	Prof Pieter with the visitors at the pedestrian walkway by Persiaran Albukhary

Visit By DPE and POLIMAS
On 21st April 2011, a group of delegation from Department of Polytechnic Education (DPE) and Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’Adzam Shah (POLIMAS) visited AIU.

The delegates were welcome by Prof Pieter (Deputy Vice Chancellor), Ms Kathryn Chek (Director, Human Resource and Corporate Communication) and Puan Norpisah Bt. Mat Isa (Registrar) at the foyer of AIU Administration Building. Then, they were ushered to AIU Board Room at Administration Building for light refreshment. The meeting starts off with Prof Pieter delivered a brief on AIU and followed by a brief by Datuk Haji Mohlis Bin Jaafar (Deputy Director General – Operation) Department of Polytechnic Education.

After the meeting, the delegates were taken for a campus tour experiencing AIU Convocation Hall, Library, Computer Lab at School of Information and Communication Technology, Lecture Theatre Hall and Student Centre.

Prof Pieter, Ms Kathryn Chek and Puan Norpisah received the delegates from DPE and POLIMAS.	Prof Pieter delivered a brief to the delegates at AIU Board Room
Delegates talking to AIU students in Language Lab at School of Information and Communication Technology	Group photo with delegates from DPE, POLIMAS and AIU management team

Visit By IBM Malaysia
On 12th April 2011, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Collaboration Meeting between IBM, AIU and Rangkaian Teratai Sdn Bhd (Kompleks Sharifah Rokiah) was held at the Board Room, Level 3, East Wing, Administration Building. The representatives from IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd consist of Tengku Razmi Tengku Othman (Client Executive, Albukhary Group, IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd), Kamariah Mohd Noor (GM, Principal Accounts / Family Conglomerate), Faridah Yushak (GM, Business Partner Organization), Nate Low Chee Mun, Mahendren Munisamy and Chong Seep Hon. As the other group consist of Haridan Ismail from Pendidikan Albukhary, Ustaz Muhyiddin Hj Ismail, Jamris Jamaludin and Nurul Huda Azizan from Rangkaian Teratai Sdn Bhd.

The representatives were welcome by Prof Pieter (Deputy Vice Chancellor) and AIU Management Team with morning refreshment serve at the Board Room. The meeting starts off with Prof Pieter delivering a brief on AIU and followed by a brief by Nurul Huda Azizan from Rangkaian Teratai Sdn Bhd. Later, representatives from IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd also gave a brief introduction about their operation in Malaysia.

After the meeting, the representatives were taken for a campus tour experiencing AIU Convocation Hall, Library, Computer Lab at School of Information and Communication Technology, Students Hostel, Lecture Theatre Hall and Student Centre.

CSR Collaboration Meeting between IBM, AIU and Rangkaian Teratai at Board Room, Administration Building	Visitors admiring AIU Convocation Hall
Visitors in Computer Lab at School of Information and Communication Technology	Visitors trying out the seats at Lecture Hall 2

Visit By University Sains Malaysia
On 30th March 2011, AIU received a visit from University Sains Malaysia (USM) headed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Munir Shuib (Deputy Dean – School of Humanities, Industry & Community Network). Aside from Dr. Munir Shuib, there were also Prof Ooi Keat Gin (School of Humanities, History), Assoc Prof Dr. Sarjit Kaur (School of Humanities, English Language studies Section), Dr. Ratna Roshida Abdul Razak (School of Humanities, Philoshopy and Civilisation) and Dr. Haslina Harun (School of Humanities, Malay Language, Translation & Interpretation).

The USM visitors arrived with 6 of its students. They were given a warm welcomed by Prof Pieter, Prof Adnan, Kathryn Chek, Marlene de Beer and Puan Norpisah at Lecture Theatre Hall. Later, the visitors were ushered into Auditorium 1 where they received a brief from Prof Pieter on AIU. The brief ended with a Q & A session, and the visitors were treated with light refreshment at the corridor of the Lecture Theatre Hall. After the light refreshment, the visitors were taken for a tour around the campus.

Prof Pieter, Prof Adnan, Kathryn Chek and Puan Norpisah welcoming visitors from USM	USM and AIU students at the briefing in Auditorium 1
En Azhar and Puan Kasminah gave a briefing about AIU Library to the USM students	Group photo at foyer of Lecture Theatre Hall

Visit By Deputy Director General of MOHE
On 17th March 2011, AIU was honoured by a visit from Datin Prof. lr. Dr. Siti Hamisah bt Tapsir, Deputy Director General (MOHE). During her visit, Prof Pieter (Deputy Vice Chancellor) provided a briefing of AIU to Prof Dr. Siti Hamisah and she was later shown around the AIU campus together with Prof Adnan (Dean of School of Information and Communication Technology), and Dr Syamsul (Deputy Registrar).

Prof Siti Hamisah being accompanied on her way from the Administration Building	Prof Siti Hamisah being shown the Lecture Theatre Hall
Prof Siti Hamisah admiring one of the Six Lecture Theatres in the Lecture Theatre Hall	Prof Siti Hamisah in conversation with Prof Pieter and Prof Adnan outside the Administration Building

Visits from Politeknik Ungku Omar, Ipoh
On 10th March 2011, Library received a delegation of four members from Politeknik Ungku Omar, Ipoh for technical and benchmarking visit. Apparently Politeknik Ungku Omar intends to build a new library for the 10th Malaysian Plan. The visit was meant to see the new state-of-the-art library building in the country as reference site. The delegation comprised of the library staff and an architect. They were brought to see Library building, accompanied by the Chief Librarian and staff from AIU Maintenance Department.

Encik Hasbullah Atan (AIU, Chief Librarian) received a souvenir of appreciation from Encik Zainal Ahmad (Politeknik Ungku Omar, Chief Librarian)

Community Service at Kuala Nerang
On 10th March 2011, Forty one AIU international students performed its second community services at Kuala Nerang. This time the journey to Al-Tarmizi Mosque at Gula Padang Terap, Kuala Nerang took one and a half hours. They were joined by two other colleagues from Yayasan Albhukhary, who brought along with them the equipment and tools for the cleaning work. The students received a warm welcome from Mosque Iman Tuan Haji Romli and a few others. The compound of Al-Tarmizi Mosque is known for being one of the biggest in Kedah. With the large compound to cover, the students had a field time cleaning up the mosque which took them till late afternoon. After a hard day’s work, the students were happy that they managed to complete the task and ended the day with a hearty meal. Although they worked through most of the day, they thoroughly enjoyed their experience travelling to the place and getting to know the people from different parts of Kedah.

AIU Students arrived at Al-Tarmizi Mosque, Kuala Nerang	Students clearing the compound area of the mosque with the help from the locals
Female students wiping the external windows of the mosque	Students having lunch with locals and were happily mingling with them

Community Service at Kuala Kedah
On 7th March 2011, fifty three AIU students participated in their first community service programme at two locations outside of the AIU campus. They started off their journey early at 8.30am and arrived half an hour later at Tunku Abdul Rahman Mosque. There, they were welcomed by the mosque Imam who was happy to show them the place before they started their cleaning activities. Besides the mosque, the students also helped clean up an Old Folks home near the mosque. The Old Folks Home housed about 10 men and 18 women. The students spent half a day in the two locations and found the experiences rewarding especially from the warm and appreciative expressions of the men and women from the home. The students also had the opportunity to mingle with the members of the mosque and members of the home during lunch which was provided by the mosque in appreciation of the students’ volunteer services.

Students arrive at Tunku Abdul Rahman Mosque, Kuala Kedah	Male students washing up the hallway of the mosque
Students washing the entrance of the mosque	After the clean up, students could sit down and have a nice lunch

Visit By MMC Corporation Berhad
On 2nd March 2011, AIU received a visit from MMC Corporation Berhad consisting of Elina Mohamed (GM Corporate Services), Ahmad Shahrin (Head of Human Resource), Mohd Ariff Mohamed Aris (Sr Exec Event Management) Abdul Razak bin Othman (Deputy Head. Construction) and Syahril Anuar bin Basheer Ali (Senior HR Executive). The visitors were received by Prof Pieter (Deputy Vice-Chancellor) and Ms Kathryn Chek (Director, Human Resource and Corporate Communications) at the Administration Building, Albukhary International University.

The group were given a briefing at the Board Room about the specific and unique Philosophy, Vision and Mission of AIU by Prof Pieter and then treated to a tour of the campus to experience the excellent facilities at AIU available to students and the community of Kedah in general.

AIU is always pleased to receive visitors and proud to share what we are doing at AIU. We trust that the visitors will be good ambassadors for AIU and by understanding the philosophy of AIU will support the university to reach out and recruit allegeable students from underprivileged and disadvantaged communities from across the world, especially students from muslim minority countries.

Visitors on the walkway of AIU Administration Building	Visitors in front of the School Of Business
Visitors at the Lecture Theatre Hall	Visitors inside one of the six Lecture Theatres in the Lecture Theatre Hall

Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday Celebration
On 18th February 2011, Yayasan Albukhary invited AIU staff, students and Alor Malai Community to a luncheon celebrating Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday. The event was held at the Canteen area of Centre of Foundation Studies, and the food was prepared by the Albukhary Mosque Committee. Approximately 1000 people attended the event.

AIU students taking a group photo with En Saiful from Student Affair	Qariah (Representative of Albukhary Mosque) preparing lunch beside Maintenance Building (Yayasan Albukhary)
Guest enjoyed nice evening lunch at the canteen	AIU students enjoying having lunch, together with local communities

Visit from Embassy of Japan
Mr Naoki HIKOTA (Political Counsellor) from The Embassy of Japan visited AIU on the 25th January 2011. Mr HIKOTA was given a briefing about AIU and was taken for a tour of the campus by our Deputy Vice Chancellor.

Mr Naoki in discussion with Prof Pieter	Mr Naoki is taken around AIU Campus By Prof Pieter

Visit By representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education
On 24th January 2011, three representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), headed by Dr. Zubaidah Aman (Ketua Penolong Pengarah), visited Albukhary International University. Aside from Dr. Zubaidah, the two other representatives are Puan Enson Din (Penolong Pengarah) and Cik Syafinaz Rahman (Penolong Pengarah).

They were welcomed by Dato’ Sharom (Vice Chancellor and CEO), Prof Pieter (Deputy Vice Chancellor), Prof Adnan (Dean, School of Information and Communication Technology), Dr Annelise (Director, Center for Teaching-Learning and Quality Assurance Management), Ms Kathryn Chek (Director, Human Resource and Corporate Communications) and Dr Syamsul (Deputy Registrar).

During the visit, Dato Sharom and Prof Pieter provided a briefing of AIU to the three representatives and they were later shown around the AIU campus.

Visitors walking from the Administration Building to the Convocation Hall	Visitors inside one of the two Language Laboratories
Visitors enjoying with Dato Sharom in one of the Six Lecture Theatres in the Lecture Theatre Hall	Visitors being introduced to the AIU Library by the Head Librarian, Mr Hasbullah

Visit from Islamic Private School Association, Songkhla, Thailand
On 24th January 2011, AIU received a visit from The Islamic Private School Association (IPSA), Songkhla, Thailand. The group consists of fourty four teachers and administrators from eleven Islamic Private Schools from around Hat Yai, Bangklam, Chana, Natawi, Sadao and Phatthalung. IPSA is organized to support high quality of education among the school members. With this objective, they are interested to visit schools, universities and other educational institutes in order to have an insight about universities’ admission and educational management system in Malaysia.

The groups were welcome by Prof Pieter (Deputy Vice Chancellor) in the warm afternoon, and were later usher to Auditorium No. 1 where they received a briefing from Prof Pieter about AIU. After the briefing, the group was shown around the campus.

Prof Pieter provides a briefing to the group at Auditorium 1 with Ms Natyada Wanlabeh	Prof Pieter received a souvenir from Mr. Vijit Saisahas, representative from Hat Yai, Southern Thailand
Visitors been introduce to the Library by Prof Pieter and En Hasbullah Atan	Visitors admiring the inner court yard of AIU

Visit by Hebei University
On 22nd January 2011, AIU received a visit from the President of Hebei University, China, Dr. Wang HongRui). The group includes Prof Jianzhong Xu from the Office of International Cooperation and two other representatives. The group was welcome by Prof Pieter (Deputy Vice-Chancellor) and Ms Kathryn Chek (Director, Human Resource and Corporate Communications)..

During the visit, the guests were given a briefing by Prof Pieter about AIU in the Board Room, Administration Building, West Wing. The briefing ended with an exchange of souvenirs between the two universities. The group was later taken on a campus tour, to experience the excellent facilities at AIU available to the students.

Prof Pieter provided a briefing to the visitors in the Board Room, Level 3, Administration Building	Prof. Pieter (Deputy Vice Chancellor) receiving a souvenir from Dr. Wang HongRui (President of Hebei University, China)
Visitors walking past the Business School Building	Visitors in AIU Library

AIU Cultural Night 2010
December was the monthly theme of Culture & the students concluded the month with a spectacular Cultural Night Celebration showcasing all the different countries & traditional attires of each students' country. The event not only brought together the students from various part of the world, but also staffs and lecturers of AIU.

AIU First Intake
AIU held its inaugural Orientation programme which started on 29 November 2010 for its first intake of students from 24 countries including Malaysia. 128 students from all over had arrived on campus many days earlier for registration. They were attended by Dr Syamsul Muhammad, the Deputy Registrar and his staff. During the registration day, the students were given their student IDs and assigned their hostel accommodation. All of the students later had to sit for English placement test organized by faculty members. On the first day of the Orientation programme, a total of 132 students attended the inaugural welcome address by by Dato Dr. Sharom Ahmat, Vice Chancellor of AIU who was introduced to the students by Prof. Pieter Kachelhoffer, Deputy Vice Chancellor.

The welcome address and words of advice by Dato Dr Sharom was followed by briefings on the facilities available to students of AIU. The first day programme included briefings by Dr Ibrahim on Malaysian culture and way of life followed by Ms. Marlene De Beer, Head of Student Affairs who briefed on the student code of conduct and hostel regulations. Dr. Annelise, Director of Quality Assurance and Mr. Amlan Aman, spoke on the academic regulations that include the requirement for Intensive English programme.

The intake of students comprise of 139 Albukhary Foundation scholarship recipients. 20 of the students are Malaysians and the rest from 24 other countries from Africa, Central Asia, South Asia and South East Asia. The students, 40 percent of whom are females ranged in ages from 16 to 22 and are mostly fresh school leavers, who will pursue the 6-month intensive English programme prior to their acceptance into the 12 month common Foundation programme starting in July 2011 leading to the various undergraduate programmes offered by our Schools of Business, ICT and Social Science starting in July 2012.

ISESCO DINNER AT ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA
The Islamic Arts Museum organised a dinner on 20 October 2010 for members of the delegation of Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) who was in Kuala Lumpur for a conference organised by the Ministry of Higher Education. The program for the dinner on that night included a presentation on Albukhary International University. The dinner was hosted by Dato Seri Ismail Yusof, Deputy Chairman of the Albukhary Foundation who gave the welcome address and brief introduction about Albukhary International University (AIU).

During the dinner, the presentation on AIU was delivered by AIU Vice Chancellor, Dato Dr Sharom Ahmat. Present at the function was the Minister of Higher Education, Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and several other education ministers and ambassadors from the ISESCO member countries apart from the conference delegates. The team from AIU attending the dinner included the Chairman of the Executive Committee, Ir (Dr) Ooi Poay Lum, Director of Teaching-Learning and Quality Assurance Management Dr Annelise Kachelhoffer, Associate Registrar Dr Syamsul Mohammad and Director of HR and Corporate Communication Kathryn Chek.

It was a very fruitful night for the team who met many interesting people from around the world and established good personal contacts with the delegates for future networking purposes.

Breaking of Fast event
• 01/09/2010: AIU Staff attended the breaking of fast event organised by the Albukhary Foundation held at Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. This event is organized annually for the Albukhary Foundation Scholars to break fast with the Chairman along with other top management and staff of the foundation. Former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali were among the special guest invited for this event.

Related news reported on The Star 02/09/2010

• 26/08/2010: Albukhary International University (AIU) signs MOU with University Sains Malaysia (USM). USM to provide setting up support to AIU on academic and administrative matters. [ + ]

Related news reported on The Star - 30/08/2010.

• 27/07/2010 : Visit by MMC-Hicom top management

AIU Logo Contest
• 06/07/2010 to 31/07/2010
Albukhary International University (AIU) together with the Albukhary Foundation is pleased to invite your participation in the AIU Logo contest from 6 - 31 July 2010. The contest aims to produce new logo for AIU and the design should capture the University's objective in promoting academic excellence among its students with noble values in their thinking, exhibiting the virtues of caring and giving individuals. The winner will receive RM2,000 in cash and a certificate of recognition.
For further information, please download [ + ] our AIU Logo contest brochure.

AIU Road Show
• 06/07/2010
Pahang: S MK Seri Mahkota, KM 16, Jalan Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang

• 05/07/2010
Terengganu: SMK Manir, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
Sabah: SMK Takis, Peti Surat 486, Papar, Sabah
Sarawak: SMK Agama Miri, Miri, Sarawak

• 04/07/2010
Kelantan: SMK Tok Janggut, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan

• 01/07/2010
Selangor/Wilayah Persekutuan: Yayasan Albukhary, 4B, 4th Floor, No. 88, Jalan Perdana, Taman Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur
For further information, please download[ + ] our road show brochure or contact Ms. Noraini/ Ms. Nor Firdaus at 04-7304777 or by email admissions@aiu.edu.my

AIU Road Show
• 29/06/2010
Perak : SMK Tun Perak, Padang Rengas, Perak
Johor: SMK Kelapa Sawit, Batu 26, Kelapa Sawit, Kulai, Johor

• 28/06/2010 : Kedah & Perlis: Albukhary International University, Albukhary Complex, Jalan Langgar
Penang: SMK Datuk Haji Ahmad Badawi, Kepala Batas, Seberang Perai, Pulau Pinang
Melaka & N/Sembilan: SMK Tun Mutahir, Batu Berendam, Melaka.
For further information, please download [ + ] our road show brochure or contact Ms. Noraini/ Ms. Nor Firdaus at 04-7304777 or by email admissions@aiu.edu.my

• 19/06/2010 : Visit by DRB-Hicom top management

• 30/05/2010: AIU Advertisement in South Africa - Sunday Times [ + ]

Please be informed that the Foundation Studies Programme of Albukhary International University will begin its inaugural intake in January 2011. This is due to the decision that the Albukhary Foundation and the University wishes to give more opportunities to students from all parts of the world. All submissions should reach us by 1st September 2010.

Student application is now available for download here [ + ]. Please read the instructions and ensure that the form is completed before submission.