PENANG, 28 July 2015 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) welcomes the move to re-establish the Ministry of Higher Education in the latest Cabinet reshuffle within the Malaysian government.

The Vice-Chancellor of USM, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman said, in facing the various current hurdles, this re-establishment could ensure greater focus being put in pushing the country’s higher education sector further on the international platform.

"This would surely boost the stature of local higher education institutions at the global stage and enhance efforts of churning out more highly-skilled graduands," said Omar.

Furthermore he said, USM is truly proud that two of its alumni would lead the two key ministries -- Dato' Seri Idris Jusoh at the Ministry of Higher Education and Dato' Seri Mahdzir Khalid at the Ministry of Education.

"I would like to congratulate the both of them and I believe they are capable of shouldering the great responsibilities entrusted to them," added Omar.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Text: Mohamad bin Abdullah