A Bachelors of Economics (Hons) degree at University of Malaya (l972) soon followed. Datuk Dr. Halim was awarded the University Scholar Award by the University of Pittsburgh where he obtained a Masters Degree in Economic Development (1980). This was followed with the Gaylord Brothers Scholarship Award from Syracuse University where he obtained a Ph.D in Information Transfer (1988).

In addition, Datuk Dr Halim had completed professional courses in Systems Analysis and Design at the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN), Malaysia (1976), Management Education at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India (1977) and Advanced Management at Harvard Business School (2000). He has also lectured and presented many papers at national and international forums covering areas such as ICT policy, telecommunications policies, National Broadband Plan, Knowledge Management, Renewable Energy, Water Services Industry.

Datuk Dr Halim started his career in civil service in the Ministry of Education (1972-1975) followed by appointments at the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN) (1976-1978,1980-1983), Malaysian Administrative Modernization and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU) in the Prime Minister’s Department (1987-1994) and INTAN (1994-1999).

Datuk Dr Halim later took on the position of Deputy Secretary General I, Communications and Multimedia Sector (1999-2000), and Secretary General, Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications (2000-2006). Recognised as a contributor to the growth of the Communications and Multimedia sector, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission on 3 April 2006.

His commitment and professionalism accorded him accolades and awards from various state governments as well as the Federal government and his services sought by a number of professional associations. He currently holds office as council member of Malaysian National Computer Confederation (MNCC), Board Member of Multimedia University, Adjunct Professor of Universiti Utara Malaysia and Board Chairman of National Library, Malaysia.

Datuk Dr Halim is married with five children. His hobby is reading and enjoys outdoor activities.

Among his contribution to the public service include:

1. Setting up of INTAN National Computer Center (1982)
2. Setting up of GITN which is private data network for government (1994)
3. Setting up of Management Technology Center, INTAN (1999)
4. Formulating regulations under the Communication Multimedia Act (2000)
5. Building power grid for Sabah in capacity as Chairman, Lembaga Letrik Sabah (2000-2006)
6. Started schoolnet Project (2004) and other dridging digital divide programs e.g. Pusat Internet Desa, Rural Library Internet Cyberkids.
7. Formulation of Water Services Industry Act & Water Services Commission Act (2006)
8. SKMM Transformation (2007)
9. Formulating the Ubiquitous Library framework for the provision of physical and digital information access, anytime and anywhere, through the consortium of national library and public libraries (2008)
10. Following through implementation of significant regulatory initiatives in the communications sector such as prepaid mobile registration, mobile number portability, Wimax broadband, high speed broadband.
11. Fostering relationship between SKMM, industry and the academia through initiatives such as the SKMM Academy, Consultative Committee on Spectrum Research, Consultative Committee on New Media, Working Group on Economic Regulation, Digital Home, Content Development Grant, UUM-ITU Center for Rural Communications.