Scholar. Mahmud studied in Al Azhar University and after taking a doctorate in Islamic Shari'ah (1976) joined the National University Malaysia (1976 - 83) and later the International Islamic University of Malaysia (1984 - 94). Mahmud was recalled to Brunei in 1994, as an expert on Islamic Law at the ministry of religious affairs and in 1999 became vice Chancellor of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). Prof. Mahmud authored more than 25 books and over 60 journals articles as well as served on various national and international academic bodies. Mahmud Saedon Bin Awang Otham was awarded, in 2002, 'the Most Eminent Order of Brunei Darussalam, First Class' with the title of 'Dato Paduka Seri Setia' by the Brunei's monarch. Dr Haji Mahmud, who was born in Kampong Kianggeh collapsed suddenly at a meeting of the Islamic Council of Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore (MABIM).