PETALING JAYA: The education field lost one of its illustrious sons following the death of the first director of the Mara Institute of Technology (ITM) Tun Arshad Ayub (pic) early Tuesday at the age of 93.

       One of the most revered educational innovators and administrators in Malaysia, Arshad is credited with strengthening the nation’s higher education system.

       He was the director of ITM, now known as Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), from 1967 to 1975.

       He was laid to rest at the Shah Alam Royal Mausoleum, Selangor, yesterday.

       During the eight years under his helm, ITM achieved various advances in producing bumiputra human capital, which earned him the title “architect of ITM’s growth”.

       Throughout his life, Arshad had served the country – first in the civil service for 32 years, before being appointed UiTM pro-chancellor after his retirement.

       In his career, he had served as deputy governor of Bank Negara and deputy director-general of the Economic Planning Unit at the Prime Minister’s Department, as well as as secretary-general of the Primary Industries Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, and Land and Regional Development Ministry.

       Born in Muar, Johor, Arshad was also appointed the first chancellor of INTI International University in 2013 and had also been the chairman of the Board of Directors of Universiti Malaya.

       Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah conveyed condolences to the family of the eminent academician and educator.

       Sultan Abdullah, who expressed sadness over his passing, said the late Arshad was a national figure and the architect of the establishment of UiTM, now known throughout the country as the greatest producer of human capital in Malaysia.

       “His loss is deeply felt by the nation, especially UiTM.

       “May his contributions and sacrifices be greatly rewarded by Allah and may his soul be placed among the righteous,” His Majesty said in his address in conjunction with UiTM’s 93rd convocation ceremony at Dewan Tuanku Canselor, UiTM Shah Alam, yesterday.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob also extended his deepest condolences to Arshad’s family members.

       Ismail Sabri said Malaysia has lost a figure who had contributed immensely to the nation and who left an invaluable legacy to Keluarga Malaysia.

       Other prominent leaders also extended their condolences, describing it as a great loss to the country.

       Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said, “His service to the country, especially in the field of education and economy, will forever be remembered. May he rest in peace.”

       Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin also expressed his deepest condolences to the family.

       “He was a well-respected figure and contributed a lot to the strengthening of education, as well as the economic development of the country,” he said.

       “The huge family of the Education Ministry have truly felt the loss, taking into account all of the contributions that he had given to the country’s education sector.

       “May he be placed among the righteous and those who have done good deeds.”

       Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also expressed his condolences.

       “His contributions are immense, especially in his responsibility to take on one of the country’s most important education institutions which is ITM, now known as UITM,” said the Port Dickson MP.

       Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also extended his condolences, saying that the late Arshad was a prominent icon and had contributed greatly to the education and economic fields.