University Guidance

Tan Sri Professor Dato′ Dr. Awang Had Salleh, was born on 24 June 1934 in Kampung Bagan Pulau Bentong, Pulau Pinang. He received his early education at the Pulau Betung, Balik Pulau Malay School and his secondary education at Seberang Perak Malay School, Kedah. In 1951, he enrolled himself at the Sultan Idris Teachers Training College, Tanjung Malim, Perak and later at the Language Institute, Bukit Senyum, Johor Bharu in 1958. Then, in 1961 he studied at the University of Malaya, where he graduated with Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in 1964 and with a Masters degree in Education from the same university in 1967. Subsequently, he continued his studies further at the Stanford University California, USA where he obtained his doctorate in 1969, specialising in Education and Sociology. He also studied at the University of Lancaster, United Kingdom to enhance his skill and knowledge in the field of Academic Studies and Management.

Career

• Trainee teacher at the Gunung Malay School, Kedah (1950)
• Teacher at Derga Malay School, Kedah
• National Language Teacher at Sultan Abdul Hamid College, Alor Setar, Kedah (1957)
• Assistant Lecturer at the Day Training Centre (DTC), Alor Setar, Kedah (1959-1961)
• Lecturer, Language Institute, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur (1964-1965)
• Assistant Lecturer / Lecturer at the Education Faculty, University of Malaya (1974-1975)
• Deputy Vice Chancellor (Students′ Affairs), University of Malaya (1975-1978)
• Director, Mara Institute of Technology, now known as Mara Institute of Technology University (UiTM) (1978-1980)
• Vice Chancellor, National University of Malaysia (UKM) and the first Vice Chancellor of the Northern University of Malaysia (UUM) (1980-1984)
• Special Advisor, Ministry of Education
• Chief Executive / Consultant, Malaysia Film Academy (1990-1992)
• Chairman, National Book Council
• Member, Executive Board of UNESCO
• Chairman, Administrative Council of Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology
• Honorary Advisor, National Motivators of Aspiration Council
• Chairman of the Board, Sultan Idris Education University
• Chairman, Informatics Academic Advisory Board, Malaysia
• Chairman, Entertainment Village (M) Sdn. Bhd.
• Pro–Chancellor, Sultan Idris Education University (1999-until now)

Apart from being a well-known and active figure in the academic world, Tan Sri Prof. also produced some creative works. 1966 happen to be his most important year in his writing career of which two of his works, 'Merah, Kuning Biru' (anthology of short stories) and ‘Biru Warna’ (novel) were published a book form. His works on drama ‘Buat Menyapu Si Air Mata’ was published in 1975. In the field of writing and publishing, he has produced a number of books, articles and working papers which focussed more on education, language and culture.

In appreciation of his services and contributions, he was bestowed several awards which, among others, include the Johan Mangku Negara (J.M.N.) in 1975, the Dato' Setia DiRaja Kedah (D.S.D.K) in 1978 which carries the title Dato′ and the Panglima Setia Mahkota (P.S.M.) in 1982, which carries the title of Tan Sri, from DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong. In appreciation of his contributions in the field of education, he was awarded the 'Honorary fellow' A.B.E, United Kingdom in 1983, the ‘Honorary Doctor of Law’ by University of Brock, the ‘Honorary Doctor of Letters’ by the National University of Malaysia (UKM) and ‘Professor Emeritus’ by the Northern University of Malaysia (UUM). He was also conferred the ‘Distinguished Follow of ISIS’ Malaysia.