Interviews

Name: Mustansir Hamza
Managing Director, Seven Seas Computers
Degree/Masters: BAI, MA, (1982)

Image: Provost cuts Trinity cake at a recent visit to Seven Seas Computers in Dubai.

Why did you choose to study engineering?
My quest to study engineering began in 1978. I was mesmerised by the computer facilities available at the College and the closest alternative was to study Engineering. What followed was a journey into the world of computers limited then by card readers and scarce access to a computer terminal, a far cry from what is available to the generation today that is dynamically changing our lives. This subject inspires rapid changes that continuously shape and re-shape our lives today.

What are your strongest memories of Trinity?
I have too many but perhaps the single most would be the renovation and extension of the Pavilion that has been renovated again after what was accomplished in 1982. The struggle to raise finance and getting the approvals was challenging as a student. The other one would be, as Treasurer of the Cricket Club sourcing soil from the UK to keep the cricket square built on a bog in pristine condition. The cost of transporting the soil was more than the soil was worth!!

What excites you most about your current adventure?
Perhaps what is most on my mind currently is how we will emerge from the current Computing Revolution embracing us and in particularly the younger generation. It’s a good time for change and chance to reflect on some big issues.

What has been your biggest challenge?
Having to share my time with the business I founded and my family. I am afraid I was unable to keep neither happy!!

What do you like to do to unwind and relax?
I like making breakfast and having it with my wife (when I am home!!). I am an avid cricket fan so I enjoy watching it on TV with my son. In the recent ICC Cricket World Cup Ireland has upset the balance by beating West Indies but failed to reach the Quarter finals unfortunately.

What was the best advice you ever received?
There is nothing that is in store for us that we are not capable of overcoming. Keep persevering and have faith in oneself.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?
I am afraid none. We live in a frightening world as it is, without any “super” being imposing their ways on us. We are, I like to think all created equal and we should strive to maintain that equality.