ALOR STAR: Albukhary International University (AIU) today announced the appointment of former New Zealand two-time Rugby World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams as its Pro-Chancellor.
The appointment of the 39-year-old Auckland-born athlete was announced on the universitys Facebook page this morning.
We are excited to announce the appointment of as the inaugural - of Albukhary International University (AIU), effective from Nov 1 for a period of two years.
AIU believes Sonny Bill Williams perfectly embodies the Universitys 5As Core Values and the 8-Hour Rule that guide the practices at AIUfostering purpose, compassion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. We are confident that his appointment will enhance AIUs contributions to socially impactful projects and propel the university to even greater heights.
Please join us in extending your warmest congratulations to Sonny Bill Williams as he embarks on this exciting new chapter of leadership at AIU, the statement read.
Williams had an illustrious career in rugby, having featured in the professional rugby league and rugby union.
His conversion to Islam took place in 2008 an he is one of the only 43 players to have won the Rugby World Cup twice.
After retiring from rugby, he became a heavyweight boxer.
In February, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had lunch with Williams, who presented to the prime minister his biography, You Cant Stop the Sun from Shining.