USM PENANG, 13 January 2026 – Rintis’26, a recurring creative showcase by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of The Arts (SOTA) students, once again illustrates USM’s commitment towards producing high-quality, industry-ready graduates.

The program was succeeded by the 25/26 SOTA final-year students and commenced on 13 January 2026. The programme served as a platform for different departments for SOTA final-year students, including Product Design, Graphic Communication and New Media Design & Technology.

The Advisor of Rintis’26, Ts. Dr. Nurul Hanim stated that the visual identity of this year's edition was largely inspired by mathematical symbols, in her speech during the opening ceremony.

“The plus sign (+) for Graphic Communication which shows the addition of values and meaning; the multiplication sign (x) for the cross-disciplinary approach of New Media, and the equal sign (=) to highlight the balance of form and function for Product Design,” added Nurul.

“This showcase is the fruit of the efforts of our 112 final-year students who are ready to be part of the industry, reflecting their dedication and commitment.”

USM Board of Governors member, Professor Dato’ Dr. Sivamurugan Pandian who inaugurated Rintis’26, acknowledges that the programme required countless hours of research and tenacity.

“What is seen today is not just an exhibition, but a platform where research meets creativity - the work of these Rintis'26 students today is not only academically robust but also provides real-world impact."

“Your voice, your ideas and your project matter,” he ended his speech.

The Dean of SOTA, Associate Professor Dr. Muhizam Mustafa, presented tokens of appreciation to the sponsors who have helped to make the programme a success.

With its creative tagline, ‘Forge, Refine, Reveal’, the programme aims to showcase creativity with a department differentiation concept.

The multiple departments provided specific aims for their students: Graphic Communication visualises and synthesises ideas with research-based design which integrates visual language with thoughtful design; New Media incorporates technology and interactivity across multiple platforms; and Product Design refines form and function in harmony.

Rintis’26 showcases the efforts of not only the students but also the educators who dedicated their time and effort to guide the final-year SOTA students in producing high-quality and out of the box projects and materials. 

Text: Sara Hannah Sahan Shah, House of Media (HOMe)/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photos: Chin Pui Kong & Etasha Elana Kumar, House of Media (HOMe)