News and pictures by Datuk Prof Ts Dr Hjh. Norazah Mohd Suki
ALOR SETAR, April 11 – Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) professor, Datuk Prof Ts Dr Hjh. Norazah Mohd Suki has been conferred the honorary rank of Kolonel Bersekutu (Pertahanan Awam) by the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) in recognition of her longstanding contributions to civil defence and community preparedness.
In addition to the honorary rank, she was also presented with the Anugerah Perkhidmatan Dekad Platinum during the Majlis Himpunan Setia APM Kedah Bil. 1/2026, held at the Civil Defence District Office in Kota Setar, Kedah.
The dual recognition reflects her longstanding commitment and meaningful service in supporting civil defence initiatives, public readiness, and community resilience.
Datuk Prof Norazah, who currently serves as Deputy Dean (Academic and International) at the Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business (OYAGSB), has been actively involved with APM since 2013. Her contributions have previously been recognised through the Pingat Am Pertahanan Awam in 2017 and the Pingat Bakti Pertahanan Awam in 2021.
The ceremony was attended by 150 APM Kedah personnel and served as a platform to honour individuals who have made notable contributions to civil defence efforts and public preparedness.
The conferment and presentation of appointment letters were officiated by Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations), YAS TPj. (PA) Ghazali Abd Rahman, representing the APM Chief Commissioner, together with Kedah APM Director, Lt. Kol. (PA) Mohd Bukhori Mat Sidik.
Commenting on the achievement, UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, said the recognition reflects the significant role that academic leaders can play in supporting public institutions, strengthening community preparedness, and contributing meaningfully to national service.
He added that the achievement also underscores the growing relevance of academic expertise in advancing public service, civic responsibility, and community development.
