Datuk Dr. Mohd Tajudin began his academic career at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in 1990 as an Assistant Lecturer A. He later pursued his Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Counselling Psychology at Western Michigan University, USA, under the Bumiputera Academic Training Scheme (SLAB). During his time in the United States, he demonstrated strong leadership qualities, serving as President of the Malaysian Students Association and later as President of the International Students Council, representing students from over sixty countries.

Upon returning to Malaysia, he continued to serve UTM for over three decades, holding several key positions including Head of the Department of Counselling and Social Sciences, Director of the Student Support Services Unit, Director of the Counselling and Career Centre, Commandant of the SUKSIS Corps, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni). He was also appointed Chairman of the Student Affairs and Alumni Council of Malaysian Public Universities and Chairman of the National Expert Panel on Counselling, underscoring his leadership in shaping national policies on student well-being and psychological development.

A pioneer in promoting psychological wellness and holistic student development, he introduced several major initiatives, including the University Student Development Transformation Model, the Excellent Scientist Programme, the Counseling Laboratory and Therapeutic Garden and the Five Excellent Tracks Programme, which focuses on five areas of student excellence: Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Sports, Tahfiz, and Research. He also played a pivotal role in establishing UTM’s Bachelor and Master of Counselling programmes, which have been accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), the Public Service Department (JPA), and the Board of Counsellors Malaysia.

In academia, he has supervised 26 PhD. students, including five recipients of the Best Ph.D. Award, and has served as an external examiner for more than 150 doctoral theses, both locally and internationally. He pioneered the development of TAJMA (Tajudin Psychometric Testing System), Malaysia’s first online psychometric testing platform, and introduced Al-Ghazalian Psycho-Spiritual Therapy (AGPT), a counselling theory rooted in Islamic psycho-spiritual principles.

He also designed the Tracer Study System for the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), which has been adopted by more than 300 higher education institutions across Malaysia. His contributions extended internationally, with appointments as Eminent Visiting Professor at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Professional Psychological Consultant at Twin Towers Medical Centre (KLCC), and Cross-Cultural Counselling Consultant for the Michigan Department of Justice, USA.

He co-founded the Malaysian Psychometric Association, served as President of the Golden Key International Honour Society (Malaysia), and was a regular speaker on RTM Johor FM’s live educational motivation programme “Wawancara Minda” for eight years, where he shared insights and inspiration on education and psychological well-being with the public. He is an active member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and the Asia-Pacific Counselling Association.

For his distinguished contributions to academia, education, and psychological well-being, he has received several honours, including the Darjah Pangkuan Seri Melaka (DPSM), which carries the title Datuk, the University Excellent Service Award, the National Scouts Meritorious Medal, and recognition as a Registered Professional Counsellor by the Board of Counsellors Malaysia.

Currently, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Tajudin Md Ninggal serves as Vice President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research) at Open University Malaysia (OUM), the nation’s first digital university championing flexible and open learning. Guided by his 3P Principle: Perspective, Principles, and Perseverance, he continues to embody the ideals of a scholar-educator and visionary leader, committed to empowering lives through knowledge, integrity, and compassion