KOTA BHARU, 18 Aug 2013 - All parties must be ready and willing to make changes in line with the changes taking place around us, including in the academic environment.

This is inevitable looking at the students achievement nowadays including those who are going to enter the university, those already in the university and also those graduating soon,” said Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor, Profesor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman.

Speaking to the School of Health Sciences community in the monthly assembly here this morning, the Vice-Chancellor called on all staff and students to be aware of the changes taking place around them and face these changes together.

He highlighted, for this academic session alone, the university received more than 25,000 applications for its full time studies and distance education studies, even though USM can only take in around 6,000 students.

 

Furthermore, almost all the candidates who applied achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 and above including for engineering programmes, while some programmes even received application from candidates with perfect CGPA 4.00. The same goes for those graduating, where their CGPA is above 3.00.  

“They are the generation that is technology-savvy and has extensive knowledge even though they may lack the experience and maturity; the important thing is do not underestimate the students’ capabilities and abilities,” said Omar.

The Vice-Chancelor also requested that efforts be made to provide detailed planning with regards to study programmes for the next five to ten years in facing increased competition including ensuring that the graduates USM produces are able to work and contribute anywhere in the world.

Based on the data available, it is estimated that about 17% of USM graduates are being employed by multinational institutions worldwide, and this number should be increased in the future.

“In fact we should do whatever we can to position the university on the world stage,” added Omar.

The Vice-Chancellor also called on all parties to strive to push USM to the next level by working together as a team. In the area of research, for example, we have to work together as a multi-disciplinary team embarking on the various initiatives and incentives available.

"We should focus on how to increase efforts in both research and teaching including determining the number of staff and other aspects that can support both," said the Vice-Chancellor.

 

However the Vice-Chancellor stressed that the human resources need to strengthen research, teaching and learning will not be reduced, rather focus will be given to increase their ability to master technology in order to improve their efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out their daily task.

The Vice-Chancellor also reminded that "this is our university and any problems arised should be addressed and dealt with together by its community."

Also present at the assembly were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Dr. Muhammad Jantan, the Health Campus Director, Professor Dato' Dr. Mafauzy Mohamed and the School of Health Sciences Dean, Professor Dr. Ahmad Zakaria. - Text: Mohamad Abdullah/Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe