YBhg Datuk Dr. Syed Othman Alhabshi has Bachelor of Economics and Statistics degree from University of Malaya; Master of Science in Statistics from University of Winsconsin, USA; and Ph.D. in Econometrics from University of Birmingham, UK. He was the Dean of the Faculty of Economics both at University Kebangsaan Malaysia and International Islamic University and the Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Academic) at University Utara Malaysia. He was also Associate Professor at University Kebangsaan Malaysia and Professor of Economics of International Islamic University Malaysia.

An educator whose contribution is invaluable, his efforts continue in his leadership to Malaysia's first virtual University, that would offer unparalleled educational opportunities to Malaysians.