2
HISTORY OF THE FACULTY
The provision of computer facilities and services at the University of Malaya (UM) began
soon after the Computer Centre was officially formed in 1965. This made the university one
of the pioneers in computer usage in Malaysia.
In December 1969, the Computer Centre took on an additional role of teaching and research
of computer science and information technology. The Computer Centre Board was formed,
comprising the Vice-Chancellor (as Chairman), the Director of Computer Centre (as
Secretary), and a representative from each Faculty, Institute, Centre and the University
Senate.
In 1974, the Diploma in Computer Science programme was introduced. From its inception in
the 1974/1975 Session to the 1997/1998Session, a total of 300 students had been awarded
the Diploma. The Master of Computer Science (MCS) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
programme were two (2) higher degree programme by research approved by the Senate
and had been administered by the Computer Centre since 1985. In addition, the Computer
Centre offered a four (4) years Bachelor of Computer Science programme. The first
undergraduate enrolment for the 1990/1991 Session was 50 students.
In April 1
st
, 1993, the University Senate agreed to the formation of the Computer Centre
Study Board. The Board proposed the establishment of a faculty to be called the Faculty of
Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSIT). The existing Computer Centre was
to be annulled and replaced by a Computer Services Division which was placed under the
Chancellery.
On September 22
nd
, 1994, the University of Malaya Council agreed to the formation of the
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSIT), and the Computer
Services Division. A sum of 4.2 million was obtained from the Ministry of Education under
the Sixth Malaysian Plan to put up a new building for the faculty, with the necessary
infrastructure for teaching, learning and research. The building was officially declared open
by the Minister of Education, Dato' Sri Najib Tun Abdul Razak on September 26
th
, 1996.
The Bachelor of Information Technology programme started in the 1996/1997 Session, with
an initial intake of 50 students. To accommodate an increase student population, an
additional building was built which was officially opened by Datuk Fong Chan Onn, Deputy
Minister of Education on September 21
st
, 1998.
Since its establishment, the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology have
been led by a number of distinguished persons. The following have served as
Directors/Dean:
1967 – 1973
Mr. Ong Yin Fook
1973 – 1975
Professor Paul Peach
1975 – 1978
Dr. R.K. Pillay
1978 – 1982
Dr. Tan Bock Thiam
1982 – 1990
Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Mashkuri Yaacob
1990 – 1992
Professor Lee Poh Aun
1992 – 2000
Professor Ir. Dr. Mashkuri Yaacob
