USM SISWA SULUNG STUDENT STAYS STRONG DESPITE LOSS OF PARENTS

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to strengthen its commitment to student welfare as Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, personally visited SISWA SULUNG student, Muhammad Adam Iskandar Azharunaim and his family in Kulim, Kedah this afternoon.

The visit allowed the Vice-Chancellor to see the family’s situation firsthand and listen to the challenges Adam Iskandar faces in continuing his studies at USM, especially after the passing of both his parents.

Adam Iskandar, the eldest of four siblings, has been offered a place to pursue a Bachelor of Education (History) with Honours at the School of Educational Studies, USM.

The Siswa SULUNG Programme is an initiative first introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) in 2022 to expand access to higher education for students from B40 families, particularly those who are the first in their family to pursue a bachelor's degree.

At Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the programme was introduced in 2023 as part of the University's commitment to supporting this aspiration by providing opportunities and necessary support to students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Following the loss of his father in 2021 and his mother on 24 August this year, Adam Iskandar now shoulders the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings, of which two are still in school and the youngest, who has physical disabilities and requires special attention.

During the visit, the Vice-Chancellor presented Adam Iskandar with the official offer letter for the SULUNG 4.0 Programme along with an essential needs kit, symbolising the university’s support. He also assured that USM is ready to assist with his study and welfare needs throughout his time at the university.

The Vice-Chancellor stressed that USM does not want financial hardship or family difficulties to prevent any student from pursuing their education and achieving their dreams.

“We do not want poverty to stop students from continuing their studies. Education can overcome poverty, and USM will do its best to provide the necessary support so students can succeed,” he said.

He added that assistance will not only cover academic needs but also practical matters such as registration and transport, ensuring students can begin and continue their studies without unnecessary burdens.

“If there are any problems, inform USM. We do not want family challenges to become obstacles. Whatever we can help with, we will,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also expressed admiration for Adam Iskandar’s resilience and determination in continuing his studies despite facing major life challenges, and hoped his journey would inspire his siblings to pursue higher education.

“Adam Iskandar is truly strong and determined. His siblings can look to his journey as proof that education opens opportunities and can change lives,” he said.

USM also emphasised its concern for the health and wellbeing of Adam Iskandar’s younger sibling, offering to arrange medical check-ups or treatment if needed through the university’s health facilities.

The SULUNG 4.0 Student Development Programme provides not only financial and welfare support but also academic development, character building, leadership training, and employability skills, helping students build a better future and inspire the next generation in their families.

For the 2026/2027 Academic Session, 965 students are enrolled under the SULUNG 4.0 Programme, while 216 new students have been identified as eligible to be considered. With the current quota of 1,000 students, the number of new eligible applicants highlights the need to expand the programme’s capacity.

USM has therefore decided to increase the quota to 1,200 students for the 2026/2027 Academic Session, opening opportunities for more deserving students to benefit.

This move reflects USM’s commitment to ensuring that socio-economic challenges do not prevent talented students from accessing higher education, in line with the university’s aspiration to provide inclusive, fair, and student-centred opportunities.

The visit was also attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Development Affairs and Alumni, Professor Dr. Wan Ahmad Jaafar Wan Yahaya; Chief Administrator of the Student Development Affairs and Alumni Division (BHEPA), Siti Aishah Abdul Raffar; Head of BHEPA Welfare Unit, Siti Meszaida Mohd Ehsan; and USM BHEPA officers.