First female V-C at USM

Prof Asma’s term at the varsity will be for three years.

HIGHER Education Ministry director-general Prof Datuk Dr Asma Ismail has been appointed vice-chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) effective Oct 4.

“Having seen through the formulation and ongoing implementation of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025 (Higher Education), I truly believe our education system is on the right track,” she said.

Prof Asma said she looked forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead in leading USM.

“I promise to carry out the trust placed in me to the best of my abilities. I will still be around albeit in a different capacity and strongly believe that our education system will continue soaring,” she said.

Prof Asma said she was leaving the ministry with a heavy heart after having served it for the last two years.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, who announced the appointment last Thursday, said her term would run until Oct 3, 2019.

“A person of many firsts, Prof Asma becomes the first female vice-chancellor of USM,” he said in a statement.

Prof Asma was previously first female vice-chancellor of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, first female deputy vice-chancellor at USM as well as the first female higher education director-general.

Idris said she was the first female vice-chancellor of two public universities.

“The selection process was rigorous and the ministry is confident of Prof Asma’s ability to bring USM to the next level and continue to contribute to nation building,” he said.

Idris thanked Prof Datuk Dr Omar Osman for his stellar service as USM vice-chancellor from Sept 27, 2011 to Sept 27 this year.

USM board of governors chairman Tan Sri Dr Zulkefli A Hassan said he hoped Prof Asma would be able to continue leading the university’s apex agenda.

“The board and I welcome her appointment and will give our support and cooperation as she leads USM,” he said in a statement. USM was granted the accelerated programme for excellence (apex) status in 2008.

When clocking out of the ministry on Friday, Prof Asma said the challenge was how she would implement the higher education blueprint as vice-chancellor.

“Previously when I spoke on the blueprint, it was as director-general but now I will be implementing it when running a university with 28,000 students and about 3,000 staff,” she said.