Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Abdul Rahman Arshad has 30 years of experience working with the Ministry of Education before ending his career as a Director-General of Education where he held that position for 7 years. While in service, he served at both state director and ministry levels. Prior to being a Director-General of Education, he held positions as Director of Examinations, Director of Educational Research and Planning, and Deputy Director-General.
While in service, Tan Sri was also much involved in the international circle. He was Deputy President of ISESCO (Islamic Science, Education and Cultural Organization) with headquarters in Rabat, Morocco. He was also Chairman of the Asia and Oceania group at UNESCO regional office in Bangkok, Chairman of RIHED (Regional Institute of Higher Education Development) based in Bangkok and Chairman of INNOTECH (Center for Innovation and Technology) based in Manila. Both institutions are under SEMEO (South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization). He was also on the committee of Student Mobility at the Commonwealth Secretariat, London. Tan Sri was also made an Eisenhower Fellow.
Receiving his Bachelor's degree from the University of Malaya, Tan Sri then went on to receive his PhD from the University of East Long, England. In addition, he also holds honorary degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada; Heriot-Watt University, Scotland; the University of East London, England; Universiti Putra Malaysia; University Teknologi MARA; the University of Malaya; University Pendidikan Sultan Idris; and UCSI University.
Upon his retirement in 1991, Tan Sri was appointed as Education Consultant to the World Bank, Chairman and later as Pro Chancellor of UiTM, Pro Chancellor of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and Chairman of Heriot-Watt University. He was also the Chairman of Bank Industri as well as Chairman of five companies listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange.
Tan Sri is now Chancellor of UCSI University as well as Chairman of the Advisory Council on National Education.