Tan Sri Dr. Syed Hamid bin Tan Sri Jaafar Albar was born on 15 January 1944 in Kampung Melayu Air Hitam, Penang. He holds a Law degree from Middle Temple, UK, a Master’s degree in Human Sciences (Political Science) from the International Islamic University Malaysia, and a Ph.D. in International Relations from Asia e-University, Kuala Lumpur.
He began his career in the Judicial and Legal Service as a Magistrate in 1970, was appointed President of the Sessions Court in 1971, and was admitted to the Malaysian Bar in 197 4. He later ventured into the local and international finance and banking sector (1972-1986). From 1986 to 1990, he became a Partner at the legal firm Albar, Zulkifly, and Yap.
His political career began as the Member of Parliament for Kota Tinggi, Johor (1990-2013). He has vast government experience, having served under three Prime Ministers and held various.
ministerial posts: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (1990-1995), Minister of Defence (1995-1999), Minister of Foreign Affairs (1999-2008), and Minister of Home Affairs (2008-2009). His final government position was as Chairman of the Land Public Transport Commission of Malaysia (2010-2017).
Currently, Tan Sri Dr. Syed Hamid is the first Chancellor of AeU Malaysia. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Department of History & Islamic Civilization, University of Malaya, and Chairman of the OIC Studies Group (OICSG).
He has contributed books, essays, and articles to journals and has appeared on numerous political and current affairs programs both locally and internationally. In 2023, he published two significant works. The first was his study and writing titled lbn Khaldun’s Theory and the PartyPolitical Edifice of the United Malays National Organisation. This was followed by his biography ldealis: Syed Hamid Albar, published in 2024.
His focus and commitment remain strong in regional and global humanitarian activities. He is the Founder and President of HUMANiTi Malaysia, an NGO involved in humanitarian and educational initiatives. His broad experience also led to his appointment as Chairman of the Malaysian Advisory Group on Myanmar and as the Special Envoy of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to Myanmar. Tan Sri Dr. Syed Hamid also led the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) Foundation as Chairman (2021-2024).
In recognition of his service to the nation, he was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (PMN) by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which carries the title “Tan Sri,” in 2009. In 2019, he was also awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun by the Emperor of Japan for his significant contributions to Malaysia-Japan relations.