Sultan Nazrin launches book on academic's 15-country journey

KUALA LUMPUR - The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, inaugurated a book titled "Kembara Dunia: 100 Hari, 40 Syarahan, 15 Negara" today. The volume chronicles the intellectual journey of Professor Emeritus Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang, a former Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) vice-chancellor, as he traversed 15 countries from April 16 to July 26, 2025.

Zaini's journey encompassed Japan, Germany, and the United States, during which he delivered 40 lectures and interacted with over 1,000 individuals. These encounters took place in various settings, enabling him to exchange insights and perspectives.

In his address at the book launch, Zaini highlighted how his chemical engineering background influenced his approach to the topics he encountered – from life's fundamental questions to matters of careers, education, leadership, sustainability, and the future of global society.

The book, published by UTM Press, compiles Zaini's experiences, observations, and reflections on knowledge, research, and higher education developments across these countries. UTM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim emphasized the significance of intellectual mobility in expanding perspectives and fortifying knowledge networks globally.

Shafry noted that such international experiences underscore the need for universities to cultivate scholars who are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable and courageous enough to share Malaysia's intellectual wealth on the worldwide stage. He stressed that these journeys signify the broader scope of academic life beyond traditional settings.

Zaini, who received the Merdeka Award in 2009 and the 2025 National Engineering Figure Award, has authored more than 300 scientific articles, 2,000 general articles, and 58 books.