He began his career with the National Electricity Board (NEB), rising through the ranks and playing a key role in transforming NEB into Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). He later became the founding Director of ILSAS and ended his tenure at TNB as Deputy General Manager. In 1994, he was appointed CEO and Director of Institut Teknologi MARA (ITM), and later became the first Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

   Tan Sri Zaidee held leadership roles in numerous professional organizations, including President of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), Secretary General of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), and key positions in ASEAN and global engineering bodies. He also contributed to national infrastructure and policy development, chairing major institutions such as SIRIM, MyIPO, and the Malaysia Board of Technologists.

      His academic and scientific contributions include championing the Industrial PhD model, rare earths policy, and halal science research. He has received several state and national honors, including the titles of Tan Sri, Datuk, and Dato’, and was awarded multiple honorary doctorates for his service.

Born in 1943, he is married with four children and five grandchildren, and remains actively involved in engineering, education, and science advocacy.