In a world where education is both a tool and a triumph, Dato' Prof. Dr. Noor Inayah Binti Ya’akub stands as a remarkable symbol of excellence and impact. As the Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chancellor of University College MAIWP International (UCMI), Dr. Noor Inayah has not only forged an inspiring professional path, but she has also championed a cause greater than herself—providing access to quality education for the underprivileged. Her story is a compelling testament to what vision, dedication, and compassion can achieve.

Dr. Noor Inayah's academic achievements are as diverse as they are distinguished. She holds dual undergraduate degrees in Law and Shariah Law from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), reflecting her commitment to both civil and Islamic legal traditions. Her pursuit of knowledge took her to the United Kingdom, where she earned a Master’s in Comparative Civil and Banking Law from the University of Bristol in 1997. She then went on to earn a Ph.D. in Law from the University of Manchester, impressively completing it in under three years. She further solidified her legal credentials with qualifications as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya and as a certified Syariah lawyer in Negeri Sembilan.

Her academic portfolio is matched by a strong track record of leadership and impact. Before joining UCMI, Dr. Noor Inayah served as Chief Executive Officer and Rector of Baitulmal Professional College under the Federal Territory Islamic Council. There, she made transformative changes that expanded access to education for students from B40 (low-income) families, particularly in areas like professional accounting and accredited courses. Her work was not just administrative; it was deeply human, driven by the belief that education can change lives. She also served as President & Vice Chancellor of Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur owned by a public listed company of Protasco Berhad where she managed to establish a student café fully established by way of waqf khas under Selangor Waqf Corporation. The philanthropy sources driven of this student’s café officiated by Datuk Seri Khalid Nordin, the Minister of Higher Learning Education in 2023.

Currently, at the helm of UCMI, she is steering the institution with a progressive and inclusive vision. UCMI, which evolved from a nursing school into a fully-fledged university college, offers a wide range of more than 33 accredited programs recognized by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the Ministry of Higher Education including Masters and Doctorate degrees. Under her leadership, the institution has embraced a broader mission: to serve not just as a place of learning, but as a beacon of hope for underserved communities. Her tagline initiated for UCMI is Live to Give.

One of UCMI's most commendable initiatives under Dr. Noor Inayah's guidance is its support system for B40, asnaf, and mualaf students. The college provides monthly financial assistance with the endless support from Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan, along with accommodation and transportation. This kind of tangible, targeted aid has made higher education accessible to many who would otherwise be left behind.

Dr. Noor Inayah's vision is not limited to local boundaries. UCMI has expanded its reach through international programs like the ASEAN Inbound Mobility Program (AIM’23), which encourages cross-border dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These efforts reflect her belief in a global, inclusive approach to education that prepares students not just for jobs, but for lives of purpose. She, ranked Number 22 in the Top 300 Most Influential Women for Islamic Finance by UK Cambridge Financial Association in 2019 and 2020, also awarded the prestigious Tokoh Maal Hijrah Federal Territory for a distinguished scholar category in 2019. In addition to her academic and administrative roles, Dr. Noor Inayah also serves as Chairman of Amanah Raya Trustees, a subsidiary of Amanah Raya Berhad. This position underscores her trustworthiness and capability in managing complex institutional responsibilities with integrity and foresight. Recently, she was appointed to the position as one of the Board of Directors Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad.

What sets Dr. Noor Inayah apart is not merely her resume, but her relentless pursuit of excellence infused with empathy. She embodies the spirit of a true educator and leader—someone who uplifts others as she climbs, who innovates without losing sight of tradition, and who balances ambition with humility.

As UCMI continues to grow under her stewardship, one thing remains clear: Dato' Prof. Dr. Noor Inayah Binti Ya’akub is not just shaping an institution; she is shaping futures. Her journey from student to scholar, from legal expert to visionary leader, is one that will inspire generations to come.