USM PENANG, 5 February 2026 – A promotion is not merely about advancing in salary or service grade; it is about the organisation extending recognition, trust, and responsibility to staff members who are deemed qualified.

In line with this spirit, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through the Pusat Transformasi Insan (PTI) organised the ‘Pemantapan dan Pengukuhan Tadbir Urus Kumpulan Pengurusan dan Profesional (Pentadbiran)’ programme to further strengthen officers’ understanding of the challenges they face and their responsibilities towards the organisation.

The special programme brought together 171 officers slated for promotion through a one‑off exercise under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), alongside permanent appointments.

Of this total, 96 officers are from the Management and Professional (Administration) group at the Main Campus, while 74 are from the Health Campus. These officers will now assume greater responsibilities within the university’s administrative ecosystem.

USM Registrar, Mohd Azizudin Mohd Shariff, emphasised that promotion is not a license for arrogance. On the contrary, it signifies an increase in responsibility, leadership competency, and the complexity of work.

He explained that officers must move beyond merely carrying out tasks, by elevating their competencies to become trusted references in their respective fields, leaders who inspire, and strategic thinkers who contribute meaningfully to the university’s mission.

“Organisational excellence begins with the quality-of-service delivery, supported by discipline and a high level of integrity as the foundation of professionalism.

“An excellent officer is assessed not only by performance at work, but also by attitude, ethics, discipline, the ability to receive and understand instructions, and adherence to regulations and service circulars,” he added.

By organising this programme, USM not only celebrates the achievements of officers receiving promotion, but also reinforces the awareness that every officer plays a vital role in strengthening the university’s reputation.

This includes safeguarding USM’s standing as a prestigious institution that upholds good governance, values excellence in achievement, and drives organisational efficiency through innovation and digitalisation.

Original Text: Nurul Izzati Rozali, Pusat Transformasi Insan USM/ Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/ Photo: Pusat Transformasi Insan USM