USM, PENANG, 10 December 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through the School of Physics, organised a two-day Fundamentals of Project Management Training Programme in collaboration with the Project Management Circle of Professionals (PM CoP) on 9 and 10 December 2025 to prepare undergraduate students for their upcoming six-month industrial attachments.

The programme involved 18 students from the Bachelor of Science in Physics, Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Physics and Bachelor of Applied Science in Geophysics programmes, and was conducted at the School of Physics, USM.

The training was designed to bridge academic learning with industry practices by equipping students with practical project management competencies relevant to professional environments.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by the Training Programme Coordinator, Associate Professor Dr. Quah Ching Kheng, who highlighted the importance of aligning classroom knowledge with industry expectations to enhance students’ career readiness.

This was followed by opening remarks from the Deputy Dean of Academic, Career and International, Associate Professor Dr. Iskandar, who expressed appreciation to the industry trainers for their voluntary contribution and emphasised the role of such initiatives in developing leadership, problem-solving and applied professional skills.

He encouraged students to participate actively throughout the sessions and to fully utilise the opportunity to learn directly from experienced industry practitioners.

The training sessions combined theoretical instruction with hands-on activities covering key project management phases including project initiation, planning, execution, control and monitoring, and project closure.

The programme was led by Mr. Lim Kheng Siang, Project Director at ams OSRAM, with support from Ms. Christine Chong Chui Wai, Senior Project Manager at ams OSRAM, and Ms. Jess Tai Yee Huey, Program Management Manager II at Jabil, who shared industry-based insights, best practices and professional experiences.

Students concluded the programme with group presentations and assessments that demonstrated their understanding of real-world project management applications.

The closing session was delivered by the Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation and Industry-Community Engagement, Associate Professor Dr. Fairuz, who highlighted the value of industry-academia collaboration in strengthening students’ communication, leadership and project management capabilities.

He noted that the programme served as a value-added initiative complementing the students’ four-year academic journey while preparing them for the demands of industrial training.

The School of Physics recorded its appreciation to the industry trainers for their commitment and contribution towards nurturing industry-ready graduates at USM.

Text & Photos: School of Physics/Editing: Shafinaz Md Ismail