PENANG, November 2013 - Lecturers and researchers at the university need to produce more works of literature as a measure to turn their research findings into a treasury of knowledge to be shared with the public.

 

It was stated by the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman when officiating the launching of the books published in 2013 by USM Press here recently.

 

“The research findings are evidence of valuable experience and knowledge that should be treasured, preserved and recorded, so that it can be used by the general public or at least by a certain target group,” says Omar.

 

He added that the university as a tower of knowledge should play a greater role in realising the true meaning of the dissemination of knowledge and at the same time to share with the rest of the community what we do at the university in exploring, transferring and sharing of knowledge from various disciplines for the benefit of mankind.

 

“Moreover, USM lecturers and researchers need to take the initiative to produce more works in the form of books other than the publication of papers in journals although publishing a book is a very challenging task and it takes a relatively long time to produce a high quality book, not to mention those that can penetrate the international market,” said Omar.

 

Lecturers and researchers who create works in the form of books are also requested to fully support and make USM Press as the prime channel to publish their work to help boost the position of USM Press to become on par with some of the world’s leading publishers whose books are indeed respected in terms of quality and content published.

 

“It is the intention of the university for USM Press to move as an internal institution that elevate knowledge and become an institution with benchmarked publications at the international level,” added Omar.

 

At the same ceremony, the Director of USM Press, Akhiar Salleh also shared some of the achievements attained by the USM Press since its establishment in 1972 under the USM Library and later upgraded as a Responsibility ‘Centre’ (PTJ) in 2003.

 

He said up to now USM Press has published more than 1000 books and journals titles that have largely penetrated the market in almost 30 countries worldwide.

 

“Every effort is being planned and carried out by the USM Press to improve the quality of work and it is sensitive to developments in the publishing world to remain relevant and improve USM status on the world stage.

 

“Among them is the use of e-publishers, the integrated database to record the entire work process from receipt of manuscript to marketing and stockpiling the book; publication of electronic books or e -Book that is gaining popularity among the new generation of readers who use electronic gadgets such as tablets, smartphones and similar gadgets; marketing of e-commerce books that allows online purchase of books from around the world,” said Akhiar.

 

The ceremony themed “Sanjungan Karya” witnesses the launch of 41 titles of various disciplines which not only consists of works produced by USM staff but also from external authors.

 

Of the 41 titles, 31 titles are in the fields of humanities and social sciences while the rest of them are of science, technology and medicine.

 

The Vice-Chancellor also presented certificates and souvenirs to the authors as a token of appreciation to those who publish books with USM publishers.

 

A Bicara Buku session featuring former mathematics physics professor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Professor Dr. Shaharir Mohamad Zain who discussed his work entitled ‘Istilah dan Konsep Pengukuran Tradisional Alam Melayu’ was held after the launch of the book.

 

Also present at the ceremony were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Dr. Muhamad Jantan, who is also the Chairman of USM Publications Committee and his wife; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) Professor Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network) Professor Dato’ Dr. See Ching Mey; and USM Ombudsman and also the Literature Authors Committee Chairman, Professor Dato’ Seri Dr. Md Salleh Yaapar. - Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa