Kuala lumpur: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, has announced the appointment of Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini as Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya (UM). The announcement was made at the university's 65th convocation ceremony today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Annuar, who is the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) president, described the appointment, effective September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2028, as a great honour for himself and his family. He expressed his gratitude to Allah for the recognition in the nation's academic sphere and extended his gratitude to the Chancellor, Sultan Nazrin, for entrusting him with the responsibility.

Mohd Annuar also shared his views on the future direction of UM, highlighting the importance of strengthening the university's financial resources through increased alumni involvement. He proposed that each alumni member contribute RM100 annually to aid in the development of the university's infrastructure, which includes facilities dating back to the 1960s.

He emphasized that even a contribution of RM100 could become a significant development fund, aiming to mobilize alumni to establish an endowment supporting UM's growth and maintaining its status among the world's top institutions. Mohd Annuar is a former chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and currently holds several key positions, including UDA Holdings Berhad chairman and 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Bhd independent chairman.

During the ceremony, Sultan Nazrin also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree to former Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat in recognition of her service and contributions. As UM's Chancellor, Sultan Nazrin also conferred the title of Professor Emeritus on several prominent academics in clinical, scientific, and non-scientific fields, including Prof Datuk Dr Rohana Yusof and Prof Dr Khoo Ee Ming.