USM PENANG, 13 January 2026 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Media and Public Relations Centre (MPRC) recently organised a Townhall session on event management, themed “What Do Students Need to Know? (Apa Pelajar Perlu Tahu?)”, aimed at enhancing students’ understanding of how official events are managed at the University.

The programme brought together close to 70 participants representing 49 student bodies, including student leaders, members of the USM Students’ Representatives Council (MPP), and representatives from various student societies and associations across campus.

Also in attendance were officers and staff from the Student Development Affairs and Alumni Division (BHEPA) as well as the USM Co-Curriculum Development Centre.

The programme began with an introductory speech by the Director of MPRC, Latifah Abdul Latif, who highlighted the Townhall’s objective of equipping students with essential knowledge on managing official events, including protocol, ethics, and conduct in line with the University’s guidelines.

“It is also intended to raise students’ awareness of their roles and responsibilities as programme organisers, ensuring that every event is conducted professionally and in compliance with University regulations,” she added.

Participants acknowledged that the programme offered valuable insights and broadened their perspectives on the organisation of official events at USM, with particular emphasis on protocol matters.

The Townhall provided opportunities for students to ask questions, exchange ideas, participate in a quiz, and receive immediate feedback.

It also served as a two-way dialogue platform, enabling students to share opinions and obtain direct guidance from MPRC.

The 2025/2026 Head of MPP, Azfar Al Hafiz Azman, emphasised the importance of the programme in exposing students to the technicalities of extending invitations to distinguished guests in the proper manner.

“I hope that this Townhall will continue to be organised so that more Heads of societies, clubs, and organisations can benefit. This will, in turn, help ensure that the management of clubs and societies becomes more systematic,” he said.

The programme also aimed to minimise errors in the organisation of official events, instil professionalism among students, and enhance the University’s image through dignified, high-quality events overseen by MPRC.

To enliven the session, interactive activities such as Protocol Mania and quizzes on protocol, etiquette, and event management were conducted, adding an engaging element to the entire programme.

Original text: Marziana Mohamed Alias/ Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/ Photo: Muhamad Faris Darwisy Mohammad Rafiq & Shahnizam Ab Rahim