Prof. Dr. Mohd Shahir Shamsir Omar

Prof. Dr. Mohd Shahir Shamsir Omar received his PhD in Biological Sciences (Computational Biology) from the University of Exeter, UK in 2005, and a BSc in Biotechnology and Plant Sciences (Honours) from the University of Sheffield, UK in 1996.

In terms of administrative experience, he has held significant positions such as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) at UTHM from 15th January 2020 to 14th January 2023, Director of the Innovation and Commercialisation Centre at UTM from 1st June 2017 to 14th January 2020, and roles as Deputy Director at the RU Secretariat, RMC UTM, and Information Technology Manager at FBB UTM.

Prof. Dr. Mohd Shahir Shamsir Omar has a notable academic career, having achieved the rank of Professor since 13th January 2016. He previously held positions as an Associate Professor, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer, and Tutor at UTM. He also took a Doctorate Study leave from 5th January 2002 to 28th August 2005.

His national experience includes serving as an advisor for MOHE Task Force on MyRA I and MyRA II, HiCoE, as well as the MOHE Task Force on Commercialisation Integrity. He has also been a Research Fellow at the Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), UKM and an Adjunct Professor at UUM, UPSI, and UCSI. Additionally, he holds the position of Vice President of Innovation and Technology Management (ITMA).

Prof. Dr. Mohd Shahir Shamsir Omar has an impressive track record of achievements. He introduced the Living Lab Muar initiative, aimed at showcasing UTHM’s research output and its impact on the District of Muar, Johor. He also played a pivotal role in streamlining focus groups and Centers of Excellence (CoEs) at UTHM and UTM, and assisted CoEs in achieving national HiCoE status.

Furthermore, he led the redesign of the national HiCOE instrument and glossary, contributed to the drafting of the Public University Innovation and Commercialisation Guideline, and introduced a patent search mechanism in the KPT DPF Funding Selection. He has also implemented performance-based funding and research audits, restructured spin-offs, optimized intellectual property (IP) revenue, and established a streamlined research-based student internship program. His efforts have significantly revitalized the double tax deduction program, leading to a substantial increase in contract research activities at UTM and UTHM.