PENANG, 19 September 2013 – “I was pleasantly surprised and had not expected it when I was informed that the Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) had appointed me as the third Pro-Chancellor,” said Tan Sri Datuk Mustafa Mansur, who was appointed as the third Pro-Chancellor by USM Chancellor, D.Y.M.M. Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail.

USM and Tan Sri Datuk Mustafa Mansur have a very long and close relationship. The same goes for his efforts in the development of other USM alumni, particularly in the Federal Territory and Selangor until he was appointed as the President of the Federal Territory and Selangor Alumni Association.

“This appointment is a great honour and recognition given to the alumni and this is the first time that an alumnus is appointed as Pro-Chancellor,” said Mustafa.

“In the history of USM, he was the University Council member, the Board of Directors and the Board of Governors for the past 35 years, the longest period of appointment among the university Board of Directors members,” said the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr Omar Osman during a press conference to introduce Mustafa and Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Fumihiko Konishi, Texchem Group Executive Chairman who was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree.

“My first day in USM was the day when Malaysia lost a precious gem in the film industry, the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, who passed away on May 29, 1973,” he nostalgically recalled.

He will be joining the public administration figure Tan Sri Razali Ismail and sports figure Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Jegathesan Manikavasagam as the USM Pro-Chancellors effective today.

Mustafa received his early education at Clifford School, Kuala Kangsar, and studied at the Languages Institute ​​Kuala Lumpur and obtained the Malaysian Teacher Training Certificate and the Cambridge Higher School Certificate. Later, he continued his studies in political science at USM from 1973 to 1976.

He has received numerous awards and honours. In 2005, he was awarded the Grand Officiale of the Order of Solidarity by the President of Republic of Italy, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa