PENANG, 8 January 2014 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in its long-term development framework will implement more programmes that are focused on improving the excellence of its lecturers and the employability of its graduates internationally.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman said USM aims to produce as many lecturers as possible who are recognised globally and hold world-class research grants.

He said that efforts have been made through various initiatives, one of which is offering research grants to lecturers who have obtained their Ph.D degree to enable them to continue their research work immediately.

"Previously, there were some new lecturers who felt that it was quite difficult to obtain grants to pursue their research work. We have looked into this and will provide these lecturers with guidance to assist them in submitting their research proposal.

"We are also going to implement a framework for enhancing the performance of the university’s research through various modalities including deploying new strategies, improve the culture of research, strategic collaboration and sound investments to produce world-class research outputs,'' he said.

He addressed this during a press conference after delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s Annual Speech, ‘Together For University’s Excellence 2014’ (BUKU 2014) with the theme Inclusivity, Sustainability and Excellence (ISE) here today.  

The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr.) Abdul Rahman Abbas also attended the speech together with the University’s Board of Governors Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Zulkefli A. Hassan and principal officers of USM.

Omar further stressed that USM must at the same time focus on efforts to strengthen the talent of students and enhance the employability of graduates in the international job market.

He said such effort will involve input from the industry where USM will hold intensive discussions with industry partners to find the best solutions to achieve those goals.

"We cannot just rely on the government solely on the issue of empowerment of graduates, instead we should be more dynamic to empower future talents with a global mindset,'' he said.

He added that USM has identified academic to be the core strength of students, but it will be improved by increasing the ability of students in three aspects including leadership, communication skills and international relations and industry. - Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe/Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa