PUTRAJAYA, 1 February 2026 — The Jom Masuk Universiti (JMU) 2026 programme marked the launch of a nationwide outreach initiative by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), aimed at providing accurate, inclusive, and accessible information to prospective students across the country.

The initiative supports informed decision-making, promotes equitable access to higher education, and strengthens national human capital development.

In line with this national agenda, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) participated in the JMU 2026 programme held from 29 January to 1 February 2026 at Dewan Sri Siantan, Perbadanan Putrajaya.

USM’s participation reflected a whole-of-institution approach, involving the Admission Unit, Academic Management Division, Institute of Postgraduate Studies, School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, School of Distance Education, and the School of Biological Sciences.

The opening ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, who reaffirmed MOHE’s commitment to strengthening equitable access to higher education, nurturing future-ready graduates, and advancing Malaysia’s socio-economic development through quality education.

Throughout the three-day programme, the USM booth attracted strong interest from prospective students and parents seeking information on academic programmes, admission pathways, and student support services.

The encouraging response reflected sustained public confidence in USM as a leading research-intensive university that delivers education with impact and remains closely aligned with national higher education priorities.

Leading USM’s participation, Senior Assistant Registrar, Fadzilla Bosman, said that the most frequently enquired programmes included Medical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Pharmacy, Engineering, Computer Science, Accounting, Education Sciences, Management, Economics, Languages, Islamic Finance and Communication.

This trend highlights strong public interest in disciplines that support national workforce needs and future economic resilience.

Also present was Senior Lecturer from the School of Distance Education, Dr. Izham Mohamad Yusof, who shared opportunities for prospective students to pursue tertiary education through flexible distance learning modes.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Microbiology and Biotechnology Section, School of Biological Sciences, Dr. Kamarul Zaman Zarkasi, engaged directly with visitors to promote academic offerings from the School.

Particular attention was given to the newly launched Master in Tropical Plant Diseases, a postgraduate programme designed to address challenges in plant health, food security, and sustainable agricultural development in tropical environments.

USM’s participation in JMU 2026 underscores the University’s continued commitment to supporting MoHE’s mission of widening access to higher education, empowering learners through accurate information, and developing skilled, knowledgeable, and socially responsible graduates for the nation.

Text: Professor Dato’ Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic & International, USM