PENANG, 3 June 2015 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) will focus on strengthening advanced research and enhancing its academic programmes to ensure that they are of international standard.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman stated that USM will also strengthen high impact collaboration with its strategic partners from all over the world, in line with its aspirations to drive higher education for the future.

He said that such long-term strategic planning was necessary to ensure that USM remains competitive and is the top university of choice in the future.

“We will also consolidate aspects of income generation to enhance the university’s autonomy as well as enhance talent management and development that is best suited to our expertise.

“We anticipate the conclusion of these efforts by the end of this year so that full implementation can begin in 2016,” he stated, adding that USM’s efforts were well in line with the Malaysian Higher Education Development Blueprint (PPPM-PT).

The Vice-Chancellor’s comments were made in a briefing on resolutions agreed upon during the recently concluded USM Board of Governors Retreat held at USM.

Chairman of the Board of Governors (LGU) Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Zulkefli A. Hassan, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, members of USM Leading Thinkers and top management of the university also attended the two-day retreat.

Omar further emphasised that USM’s long term plans were in line with the government’s initiatives detailed in the Higher Education blueprint as they would add value to the holistic and sustainable development of the university.

“USM will fulfill its role in strengthening trans-disciplinary programmes as the main thrust towards developing and advancing sustainability for the future.

“We will also apply the principles of the Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX) which has been embraced by every member of the university community, from the members of the LGU to the top management, lecturers, administrators, students and so on, so that we are united and move as a team,” he added.

He further revealed that USM will apply scenario planning strategies based on a projection of the state of education six months from now.

Such strategic planning will involve the university’s top management, LGU members, strategic industry partners and the university’s young strategic thinkers group.

“Members of the USM community are urged to give full support and input to ensure that our university continues to grow as a renowned trans-disciplinary institution that is relevant and respected.

“We will ensure that our plans are implemented and ingrained as part of the culture of the USM community,” he concluded, adding that the specific programmes outlined in the university’s 2015 and APEX Phase ll plan were also ongoing. - Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe/Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias/Photos: Mohd Fairus Md Isa