PENANG, 16 December 2024 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently celebrated its alumni, industry leaders and strategic partners by hosting its inaugural Alumni and Industry Grand Dinner 2024 at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

The grand celebration, held on 14 December, was to honour their significant and invaluable contributions to the university's 55-year journey of growth and excellence.

Jointly organised by the Division of Student Development Affairs and Alumni (BHEPA), Division of Industry and Community Network (BJIM), USM Alumni Development Centre, and USM Alumni Association, the event was attended by some 400 guests.

Also present as the guests of honour for the evening were the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Melaka, Tun Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam and Toh Puan Datuk Wira (Dr.) Hajah Asmah Ab Rahman.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed said the university has produced an estimated 200,000 alumni since its establishment in 1969.

"Many have achieved success and upheld the university's motto of 'Kami Memimpin' (We Lead). USM alumni continue to make meaningful contributions to the community, whether by supporting their alma mater or excelling across diverse sectors and fields.

"We are proud to nurture exceptional alumni and rise to the challenge of producing job creators. These individuals have created numerous career opportunities for society, particularly in the industrial sector," he said in his welcoming address.

Abdul Rahman announced that Mohd Ali was conferred the Honorary Doctorate in Development Economics by USM, honouring him as an alumnus who embodies the university's motto, Kami Memimpin, through his remarkable achievements.

"The award is a token of appreciation and recognition by the university for Tun's significant contributions to the field of economics, as well as earning various accolades at national and international levels," he emphasised.

USM also presented Alumni Icon Awards to individuals who have made a significant impact on professionalism, community, and the university.

The recipient of the Alumni Perdana Award was Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) Executive Vice-President, Toh Indera Jaya Dato’ Ishak Haji Mohamed, who graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Science in 1985 through USM's School of Distance Education.

Meanwhile, the Alumni Muda Harapan award was presented to Khairul Hafez Yunus @Hamid, a TV host with Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), who was a Political Science graduate in 2018.

The occasion was also graced by the USM Board of Governors Chairman, Dato’ Seri Dr. Awang Adek Hussin; President of USM Alumni Association, Dr. Mohamed Maliki Mohamed Rapiee; USM Deputy Vice-Chancellors; the university’s principal officers; industry players; heads of government agencies; and so forth.

The objectives of the event are to enable USM alumni to give back to their alma mater, strengthen the university's connections with alumni and industry, as well as to recognise and appreciate alumni and strategic partners who have made significant contributions to the university's development.

The event was also to celebrate USM's recent industry recognition as the Graduates' Choice University during the recent Graduates' Choice Awards organised by Talentbank.

Source: USM Press Release/Text: Tan Ewe Hoe