USM PENANG, 2 October 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) welcomed 4,936 new undergraduate students enrolling for the 2025/2026 Academic Session across its three campuses, Main Campus, Engineering Campus, and Health Campus.

All new students were celebrated during the ‘Majlis Sambutan Siswa Lestari,’ the highlight of ‘Minggu Siswa Lestari,’ where they took the oath of allegiance, symbolising their official entry into the USM student community.

As the nation’s only university with APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) status, USM continues to uphold its transformative higher education agenda focused on sustainability while ensuring inclusive access to education for all.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed stated that this year’s admission recorded 16,453 applicants who listed USM as their first and second choices, while another 52,945 placed the university among their third to twelfth preferences.

He explained that while priority is given to local students, USM also welcomed 768 international students from 25 countries, in addition to 70 students pursuing USM’s off-shore medical programme at the USM-KLE International Campus in India.

“USM has introduced various special initiatives for student development, including the Ekspo Kerjaya dan Pendidikan (EKSPEN), the Pitch@USM entrepreneurship programme, and opportunities for active participation in over 100 student associations and societies,” he said.

In terms of welfare, Abdul Rahman emphasised that USM remains deeply concerned for the well-being of students from low-income (B40) families, who make up 58% of the new intake.

“The university also offers the Siswa SULUNG 3.0 scheme which benefits 280 first-generation students from B40 households under the e-Kasih category, providing full fee exemption throughout their studies,” he added.

Additional assistance is also provided through FoodBank@HEPA, the Student Welfare Fund, and special support mechanisms for students facing emergencies or financial hardship.

In his speech, Abdul Rahman also urged students to master digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills, practice ethical and responsible social media behaviour, and value their families’ sacrifices.

“I sincerely hope that our students will uphold USM’s reputation as a global leader in sustainability, in line with the Ministry of Higher Education’s vision to produce high-quality, competitive graduates,” he said.

The ceremony at the Main Campus was graced by members of the university’s top management, joining in the annual tradition of welcoming new students to the USM family.

Among those present were USM Board of Governors member, Professor Dato’ Dr. Aldrin Abdullah; Deputy Vice-Chancellors Professor Dr. Azlan Amran, Professor Dato’ Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat, and Professor Dr. Habibah A. Wahab; President of the USM Student Representative Council, Muhamad Arif Esa; as well as key university officials, deans of schools, and other distinguished guests.

Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa