Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management Welcomes Visionary Leaders

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management (FSLM) is pleased to announce the following leadership appointments, reflecting our continued commitment to strengthening academic excellence, deepening industry engagement, and advancing the Faculty’s long-term strategic aspirations. These appointments mark an important milestone for FSLM as we continue to build a dynamic, future-focused learning environment, guided by leaders who bring dedication, expertise, and a forward-looking perspective to their roles.

Prof. Dr. Adrian Lee Yuen Beng has been appointed as the Head of the School of Media and Communications (SOMAC). He brings over 20 years of academic leadership experience and holds a PhD in Film from The University of Melbourne. An accomplished scholar and practitioner, his work spans Malaysian cinema, media and cultural studies, creative industries, and heritage preservation. He has published extensively, authored and edited several books, and directed award-winning films showcased at international festivals. Prof. Adrian also contributes to national performing arts standards, serves as an assessor with the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, and collaborates with government agencies and NGOs on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) initiatives and creative industry development. Under his leadership, SOMAC is poised to strengthen its research profile, deepen industry collaboration, and expand experiential learning opportunities for students. Prof. Adrian is committed to nurturing creative talent and ensuring that SOMAC remains a leading centre for media and communications education in the region.

Ms. Prema Ponnudurai will assume the role of Head of the School of General Studies and Languages, continuing her longstanding dedication to excellence in teaching and learning across General Studies programmes. We extend our sincere appreciation to Ms. Prema for her exemplary leadership as Head of SOMAC, where her contributions have been pivotal in driving the School’s academic advancement, student achievements, and industry visibility. In her new role, she will lead efforts to further enhance curriculum innovation, foster faculty development, and strengthen the holistic learning experience for students across the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management.

As FSLM continues to advance in an increasingly complex and competitive higher education landscape, the leadership of Prof. Dr. Adrian and Ms. Prema will be pivotal in shaping the University's strategic direction. Their expertise, dedication, and vision will further strengthen FSLM’s initiatives to enhance academic standards, research & innovation and enrich the student learning experience. We extend our warm congratulations to Prof. Dr. Adrian and Ms. Prema on their appointments and look forward to their continued leadership in driving innovation, promoting excellence, and delivering meaningful contributions to both the University and the wider community.