Elections 2026: Candidate Vision Azlinda Azman

Vision of Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman

Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman

The primary task as treasurer is to manage funds, maintain stewardships for financial expenses and income for the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW). I see the importance to managing expenses prudently, therefore it is vital to ensure planned projects be implemented within the allocated budget. Similarly, new projects / programs proposed must be carefully reviewed, in line with IASSW’s vision and mission, and further justify the financial commitment.

It is also the role of treasurer to assist the association with income generation activities. This is possible by building stronger networking and enhance visibility of IASSW around the globe, for IASSW maintains its financial sustainability. As the current treasurer, I have had the opportunity to work with the IASSW team to outreached institution and individual members, to increase the membership drive as it is a basic income generation activity that must continuously be planned / strategized.  As an international association, I observed that its membership distribution must be reflected accordingly. Thus, IASSW must continue to strategize to engage with potential social work programs / institutions around the globe, particularly focusing on regions not currently well represented in IASSW. Hence, more jointly organized intellectual discourses such as conferences, workshops or seminars on current / emerging social issues and social work profession’s responses are a good platform and must continue to be carried out with the many social work associations in different regions for better outreach for potential membership recruitment. This will ascertain IASSW to remain relevant, enhance its visibility, and at the same time further strengthen the association’s financial standing.

Given the experience as IASSW treasurer for almost 4 years, I have gained the valuable experience and am able to manage IASSW financial account smoothly. Each year allocation for targeted projects and programs has been carried out successfully and I am confident for the future as well. I have vast administrative experience in handling annual budgeting and expenses. I have served as the Dean, School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) since 2016, was also the Head of Social Programme for nine (9) years, as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Students and Alumni USM, and have also served as auditors, board members and trustees for several associations, which have all given me the exposure to be financially literate. 

Given the opportunity, I would like to continue, further contribute and be ever ready to undertake the role as the treasurer of IASSW for another term.  I will continue to provide my best services ethically and professionally.