Padang (INDONESIA), 14 November 2013 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman together with his deputy of Industry and Community Network, Professor Dato’ Dr. See Ching Mey, have the opportunity to meet 10 Malaysian students who are doing their Medical studies at the University of Andalas, Padang. 

Various issues as well as their experiences were discussed and shared during the meeting. 

They shared stories on how they struggled in the rural areas, such as having to take their bath in the river as it was difficult to obtain clean water and there were other problems while they pursued to obtain a degree. 

“We have trained our students to learn how to overcome adversities through a compulsory Pimpin Siswa’ programme for all first year students, teaching them survival skills in life,” he continued. 

He added that USM students exposed to difficult learning experiences and have the opportunity to experience difficulties, shared experiences with students studying in Egypt. It is hoped that such experiences will play a role in helping them through natural disasters in the Philippines as shown during the previous Tsunami tragedy that occurred in several countries. – Translation: Siti Faizah Abd Halim / Text: Mohamad Abdullah