Professor Neil Stephen, Head of Academic Affairs at the University of Southampton Malaysia Campus (USMC), reached a milestone this year by completing 35 years of service.
Professor Stephen is one of a few academic staff employed by the UK, whilst being physically based in Malaysia.
Since the launch of our Malaysia Campus in 2012, he has played a key role for students at the campus, not just academically but also pastorally.
Professor Stephen is well known for giving up his free time in the evenings to talk to students about anything they would like to discuss, including their academic studies, weekend plans and future dreams.
His long journey with the University began in 1981, with a lectureship funded by Ford Motor Company, where he was tasked with developing the design of a CVT (continuously variable transmission). Professor Stephen explained:
Unlike traditional transmissions, the CVT does away with fixed gear ratios and uses pulleys. The one we developed allows the vehicle’s engine to run at its most efficient revolutions per minute to improve fuel efficiency, yet deliver maximum power continuously, if required: a win-win situation.
CVTs were later adopted by the William’s Formula 1 Grand Prix racing team, and were so successful that they were eventually disallowed under the F1 design rules.
Professor Stephen featured in The Expat magazine earlier this year. You can read the full article here.
