USM PENANG, 8 October 2024 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has lauded the Higher Education Minister, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir’s recent directive for public universities to assist underprivileged students and those from low-income families pursuing tertiary education.

Its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed said, USM is ever ready to support financially challenged students in pursuing their education, ensuring their aspirations for higher learning are met.

“This is to align with the Higher Education Ministry's goal of nurturing the nation's brightest talents with global mindset.

“The university has taken steps to implement various forms of assistance to ease the financial burden on affected students, as we don't want any family to be discouraged from sending their children to further studies in USM due to financial constraints,” said the Vice-Chancellor.

"One such assistance is for students to enrol at USM without any upfront payment through the SULUNG 3.0 Student Development Programme, which allows the first child from a poor family (B40) to enrol at the University without any initial payment.

"Additionally, they are provided with flexible instalment plans to settle their fees according to their capabilities," he said.

The Vice-Chancellor added, at the same time, USM would also provide other forms of assistance through the Student Welfare Fund, USM Zakat Fund and other resources.

"If there are any students facing difficulties in finding financial resources to continue their studies at USM, they are urged to promptly contact the Student Welfare Unit, Student Development Affairs and Alumni Division (BHEPA) USM for early assistance.”

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe