PENANG, 29 March 2013 – The experience and expertise of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) academia is being recognised when another experienced academician was chosen as a Vice-Chancellor (VC).

After the appointment of Prof. Dato’ Asma Ismail as the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Professor Morshidi Sirat who had just celebrated his 57th birthday on 3rd March was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) effective from 1st April.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Omar Osman said that he views Morshidi’s appointment as a VC positively as it indirectly strengthens USM’s efforts in providing a significant contribution towards higher education.

He said that the increasing number of people from USM who provides leadership in leading national institutions of higher education is expected to be cornerstones in strengthening the collaboration between the universities for the benefit of knowledge.

“USM is very proud of the achievements of its academic leaders who have been chosen to helm several national universities and we hope that they can give their best in leading their respective institutions.

“The successes of these intellects also potentially contribute towards a more accurate networking between institutions, including in the field of research and development, and publications,” he said.

He said this in his speech at a special meeting with Morshidi which was attended by a number of officials and staff of the university's main campus here today.

Omar also hope that this success will also be a source of inspiration for all the USM community to collectively engage in efforts to provide the best to boost the performance and future of higher education of the country.

In the meantime, Morshidi said that he receives his appointment as UNIMAS VC with an open heart and hopes that the trust given can be realised as best possible. He said that his experience with USM will be put into use as much as possible in his effort to serve his best as a leader of the university at the place of his birth.

“USM will continue to live in my heart because this is where I developed a career as an educator and gained the best experiences in life,” he said as he described the experience of having served in the Ministry of Higher Education will also be helpful in his career as a VC.

A professor of Geography in the School of Humanities, Morshidi was previously Deputy Director-General of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education (16 February 2011 until 2 March 2013). Born in Sarikei, Sarawak, he had his primary education at Sekolah Rendah Abang Hj. Matahir, and continued his studies at Sacred Heart School, Sibu, Sarawak and Kolej Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang, Miri. – Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe