USM INAUGURATES MUSA MOHAMAD LIBRARY TO HONOUR LEGENDARY EDUCATIONIST

NIBONG TEBAL, 30 October 2025 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) today marked another milestone in its history with the official launch of the newly named Musa Mohamad Library at its Engineering Campus, in honour of the late Tan Sri Musa Mohamad’s remarkable contributions to education and university development.

The new name was officially gazetted on 21 April 2025 before being inaugurated today, 30 October 2025.

In his speech, USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, said the recognition not only commemorates the immense contributions of the late Tan Sri Musa but also reflects the university’s deep appreciation for his leadership values and personal touch in nurturing a culture of respect and excellence among academics.

“The late Tan Sri Musa was a man of great calibre, wisdom, and warmth, known for his personal touch and deep commitment to recognising and appreciating all members of the academic community,” he said.

Meanwhile, Puan Sri Fauziah Shahrom, wife of the late Tan Sri Musa, expressed her gratitude for the meaningful tribute, describing the naming of the library as a touching honour that carries profound significance, more than three decades after her late husband’s retirement from USM and 16 months after his passing.

“The naming of the Engineering Campus Library holds great meaning and stands as a testament that his contributions are still remembered,” she said.

“He was a man blessed with intelligence, perseverance, and extraordinary attention to detail in fulfilling every responsibility entrusted to him. May his name, now etched on this library, continue to inspire the university community,” she added.

USM Chief Librarian, Arinawati Ayob, said the naming of the Musa Mohamad Library aptly reflects its continuing role as a centre of knowledge supporting research, innovation, and academic excellence at the campus.

“The library is not merely a space for storing academic materials but an interactive and innovative hub that helps develop individual potential. It will remain resilient and relevant with current technological advancements, offering the latest information resources and the best services to users,” she added.

The late Tan Sri Musa Mohamad, a respected academic and statesman, was born on 29 November 1943 in Bagan Datuk, Perak, and passed away on 8 June 2024, leaving behind a legacy in education and national development.

He served as the Vice-Chancellor of USM from 1982 to 1995, during which the university experienced significant growth and emerged as one of Malaysia’s leading research universities.

Also present at the ceremony were Exercising the Functions of Chairman of the USM Board of Governors, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Hassan Said and Director of the Engineering Campus, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim / Photos: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman