USM PENANG, 18 March 2024 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through its Division of Student Development Affairs and Alumni (BHEPA) today has proudly hosted the 38th IMT-GT Varsity Council Coordination Meeting Varsity Carnival, which will be held from 18 to 20 March 2024.

Established over two decades ago, the council comprises of 12 esteemed universities spanning the triangular region of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand with the presence of a total of 60 members from the three countries.

The iconic IMT-GT renowned for its three core pillars namely sports, culture and seminars serves not only as a platform for the international university community to explore and showcase unexpected talents but also act as a powerful tool in promoting universities at the global stage.

Aims of the programme are to promote maximum benefits for students and staff development of member universities; to foster unity and utilise it as a guideline for organising activities during the IMT-GT Varsity Carnival; to strengthen the IMT-GT spirit and development through the network of students and staff of member universities; and to emphasise on the development of educational quality of member universities without any political involvement.

The opening ceremony was officiated by the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Student Development Affairs and Alumni, Professor Dr. Shaharum Shamsuddin, representing the USM Vice-Chancellor.

In his officiating address, Shaharum who is also the Head of Organiser 38th Varsity Council Coordination Meeting, described the IMT-GT Varsity Carnival as a pivotal 'bridge' in uniting minds and hearts across the region.

“The IMT-GT Varsity Carnival is more than an event; it symbolises a beacon of partnership and progress.

“Let us use this platform to elevate our students, not just academically, but as global citizens who will carry forward the torch of innovation and harmony by embracing the value of sports, culture and knowledge sharing to promote solidarity and friendship among its participants,” he said.

He further urged all attendees to embrace the spirit of this gathering, forging pathways to a future replete with opportunities for the youths and driving towards shared goals and mutual successes.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Student Affairs and Alumni, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) cum President IMT-GT Varsity Council, Professor Dr. Ahmad Martadha Mohamed in his speech, highlighted the importance of strengthening diplomatic education of partnership and unity to prepare future generations of versatile, confident and idealistic young people.

Ahmad Martadha emphasised the significance of internationalisation programmes in stimulating global competitiveness and serving as a testing ground for skills development in the digital age of globalisation.

“The IMT-GT Council hopes for new innovations that can give a fresh injection to the implementation of this carnival in the future, especially from USM itself as the host,” he added.

Also present were the Universitas Syiah Kuala Vice-Rector Student Affairs cum Vice-President of IMT-GT Varsity Council of Indonesia, Professor Dr. Mustanir; Prince of Songkhla University Vice-President Student Development and Alumni Affairs cum Vice-President of IMT-GT Varsity Council of Thailand, Assistant Professor Dr. Wirote Youravong; IMT-GT Varsity Council Secretary-General, Asmawiza Hj. Hussin; members of IMT-GT Varsity Council and IMT-GT delegation officers.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Foto: Shahnizam Ab Rahim