KOTA KINABALU: Sabah-born Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Md Mansur is the new Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) vice-chancellor.

The 61-year-old will assume his new appointment from next Monday.

A Business Administration degree graduate, he also has a master's degree in Economics from Indiana State University, Terre Haute, the United States and a Doctoral degree in the same field from the University of Wisconsin.

Kasim served as the deputy vice-chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs) of UMS for five years from 2009 to 2014.

In a statement, the Higher Education Ministry said Kasim was a highly regarded academic figure among the university's officers and students.

"At the Sabah state level, he contributed significantly to Sabahans as a member of the Sabah Economic Advisory Council and a board member of the Institute for Development Studies, Sabah.

Based on the reputation of the leadership of the institution, Kasim, the statement said can form a harmonious network of working relationships with all stakeholders, especially in Sabah.

"The ministry is confident that he will lead UMS in becoming one of the preferred universities at the national level, thus promoting overall academic excellence."

The statement also extended acknowledgement and gratitude to former vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Taufiq Yap Yun Hin on his contributions to UMS.