PENANG, 17 September 2013 – Tan Sri Datuk Mustafa Mansur, 72, a corporate figure who is also Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) alumnus from 1973 – 1976, will be appointed as the third USM Pro-Chancellor for five years effective from 19 September 2013 after being conferred by His Royal Highness The Raja of Perlis, USM Chancellor and concurred by the Minister of Education.

According to the USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman, Tan Sri Datuk Mustafa was the USM Alumni Icon in 2002 who has made ​​his mark within the country and internationally. The inauguration will take place during the First Session of USM Convocation Ceremony by the USM Chancellor this Thursday.

“Born in Padang Gajah, Taiping, Perak, Tan Sri Datuk Mustafa Mansur proved that a Malaysian who obtained his education from local educational institutions was able to carve a name for himself and be respected for his achievements in the industry and to be entrusted to lead a number of internationally recognised industrial bodies” said Omar.

Mustafa Mansur was appointed as a member of the USM Council (1978) and later as a member of the USM Board of Directors and the Board of Governors until 18 September 2013, the longest period of appointment among the university Board of Directors members.

He also chaired many of the University’s Committees including the selection and promotion committee, internal audit as well as the more recent, USains Holding Sdn. Bhd.

Initially, Mustafa aspired to be an engineer, however later he became closer to the world of education, corporate and industry as he was inspired by the success of his closest relatives.

According to Omar, Mustafa was very active in sports especially hockey and rugby. He was among the pioneers in organising the USM International Hockey Festival and played for the USM hockey team. Mustafa Mansur also organised the Veterans Hockey Tournament during the World Cup Hockey. He also represented Penang and Perak in rugby at state level. Besides that, he was actively involved in the university’s student associations including the Student Representative Council and various sports associations. Omar added that Tan Sri Datuk Mustafa Mansur is a role model to be emulated by the graduates.

"Mustafa was appointed to head various business, industries and government organisations and he was appointed twice as the President of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (2002-2005 and 2009-2011). He is now the Chairman of Malaysian Standards and Accreditation Council (MSAC)," explained Omar.

Mustafa also received State Decorations from Italy and Spain in recognition of his efforts in strengthening business ties between Malaysia and both countries. - Translation: Sharifah Darweena Syed Ahmad Amir Feisal