INTI International University marked a significant milestone with the official inauguration of its new Chancellor, Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Dato’ Seri Utama Naquiyuddin ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar. The event took place during the university’s Convocation Ceremony in July 2025, held at the Tan Yew Sing Multi-Purpose Hall in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.
Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Dato’ Seri Utama Naquiyuddin ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, Chancellor of INTI International University, receives his inauguration certificate from Melinda Yang (centre), Chair of the Board of Governors of INTI International University, witnessed by YBhg. Dato’ Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman, Director-General of the Ministry of Higher Education.
The inauguration was attended by leaders from the higher education sector, members of INTI’s Board of Governors, university faculty and staff, industry guests, graduates, and proud family members. This momentous occasion highlighted the university’s continued growth and its commitment to leadership grounded in service, scholarship, and shared values.
Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Dato’ Seri Utama Naquiyuddin ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, Chancellor of INTI International University, delivers his inaugural speech after officially assuming the role.
Tunku Naquiyuddin, currently serving as Chancellor, is the Tunku Laxamana of Negeri Sembilan and the eldest son of the late Tuanku Ja’afar ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman, who was the tenth Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan. He brings a wealth of experience from a life devoted to public service, diplomacy, and philanthropy.
Educated both locally and internationally, he holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, and started his career in the Malaysian diplomatic service, including postings at the Malaysian Embassy in France.
Guests pose for a group photo with Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Dato’ Seri Utama Naquiyuddin ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, Chancellor of INTI International University, before the start of the Convocation Ceremony.
Tunku Naquiyuddin served as the Regent of Negeri Sembilan from 1994 to 1999 and has held various leadership roles in corporate and educational institutions. A strong advocate for education, he is the Chairman of the Tuanku Ja’afar Educational Trust and the Founder of Yayasan Tunku Naquiyuddin, a foundation dedicated to supporting underprivileged students in their academic pursuits.
In his first official address as Chancellor, Tunku Naquiyuddin shared his reflections on the power of education and the responsibilities that accompany it.
“To be invited to serve as Chancellor of INTI International University is an honour I accept with deep respect. Education has always been close to my heart, not only for the way it expands minds, but also for the way it transforms lives. What stands out to me about INTI is its deep understanding of this,” he said. “Through global partnerships, industry engagement, and genuine care for its students, INTI is shaping graduates who are prepared to meet the world—and improve it.”
The Chancellor announced the appointments of two new Pro-Chancellors: YBhg. Emeritus Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Mohamad Zawawi Ismail and YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Chua Hock Hoo. Professor Zawawi, a long-serving member of INTI’s Board of Directors, is a respected academic and policy advisor with extensive experience in Malaysia’s higher education sector. Dato’ Dr. Chua is the Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Cheng & Co Group, and he has been a strong advocate for connecting academic learning with real-world industry practices. Both Pro-Chancellors will support INTI’s continued growth through strategic guidance and academic insight.
Among the distinguished guests present were YBhg. Dato’ Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman, the Director-General of the Ministry of Higher Education; Emeritus Professor Dr. Lim Ho Peng; and Professor Dr. Joseph Lee, the Vice-Chancellor of INTI International University.
Following the inauguration, the July 2025 Convocation Ceremony began with the presentation of doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, and diploma certificates to the graduating class. The event also included the presentation of industry-sponsored awards, which recognised outstanding academic and leadership achievements among students.
In his graduation speech, the Chancellor urged the Class of 2025 to take on their roles as contributors to society.
Shavinah A/P K. Mohan, Valedictorian of the INTI International University Class of 2025 and a graduate of the B.Sc. (Hons) in Physiotherapy programme, delivers her address to fellow graduates during the Convocation Ceremony.
“You graduate into a world of both complexity and possibility,” he told the graduates. “INTI has prepared you to think across disciplines, collaborate across cultures, and lead with conscience. Carry forward what you’ve learned—and how you’ve learned. Stay open to new ideas, take responsibility, and remember that leadership often begins with listening.”
The ceremony concluded with a valedictory speech by a graduating student, marking the end of a chapter for the Class of 2025 and the start of new journeys as they pursue various professional and academic paths