PENANG, 3 December 2013 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) International Week (USMIW) 2013 was launched today by USM Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Datuk Mustafa Mansur with the attendance of international students dressed in their traditional attire.

Mustafa said that this would be the fifth year of the USMIW to be held but the seventh time in the year.

“Such event encourages students of diverse cultures to work together for a common goal,” he added.

The USMIW was first started by Assoc. Professor Dr. Anees Janee Ali in 2011 with the initial aim of bringing students from ASEAN countries together but, starting from this year, it has included students from other countries as well.

According to USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman, this year’s event was jointly organised by the Non-Hostelite USM Student Association (PETAS), USM Postgraduate Student Association, USM International Office and AIESEC.

“The objective of this event is to promote the “internationalisation at home” programme to introduce the cultures of the world to USM students and staff,” he said, adding that there are more than 60 nationalities residing within the university.

Also participating in the USMIW 2013 are Walailak University (Thailand), National Economic University (Vietnam), and Srivijaya University (Indonesia).

Among the features of USMIW 2013 were cultural booth exhibition, international food festival, games, international movie festival, and culminating with a Cultural Gala Night on 7 December at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra.

Also present was the Dean of Institute of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Dr. Othman Sulaiman. - Text: Yong Check Yoon/Photo: Mohamad Danial Shahri