PENANG, 3 September 2013 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) will introduce the Apex Student Fellowship Programme to showcase the talents of students in the first degree to the international community through a collaboration with government agencies and institutions as well as universities from abroad.

This is important in order to expand the opportunities for the graduates of this country to serve anywhere in the world, and to compete in the open market, USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman said at a press conference at the USM campus after the Students Welcoming Ceremony.

“This fellowship programme is to ensure academic excellence and personality can be combined together, including the development of a structured leadership, in an effort to highlight specific talents to the world,” said Omar.

He added that after the first semester, about 200 to 500 talented students will be selected, depending on the funds available to pursue certain programmes such as internships and supporting organisations, and multinational institutions and world-class universities in countries such as Japan, India or Europe.

Efforts to hone talented students should be made in a systematic manner to produce those who possessed thoughts and ability to embrace global culture. They would be continuously monitored and given proper guidance.

“Currently, coincidentally more of the talents are found among university students who are competitive and able to step into the international arena, or make ​​a name locally,” added Omar.

According to him, focus will be given to undergraduate students initially but it will be extended to include Masters and doctorate candidates.

Earlier in his address to the new USM students, Omar said that USM basically want to see the success of students and graduates who are versatile, not just within the university but anywhere with the ability to compete at the global level and armed with knowledge and expertise that can be shared anywhere.

He added the ability to ‘export’ as many youths to serve anywhere in the world is important and USM is planning to produce world-class APEX scholars who can develop capacity to bring to the international level as early as the first degree with academic component, good character and leadership.

The Vice-Chancellor also advised new students to use the opportunities available as best possible and break down barriers that prevent them from achieving success.

This year, USM received a total of 4,684 new students with 3,272 of them on the Main Campus in Penang; 678 of the students at the Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal; and 734 of them in Kubang Kerian Health Campus, Kelantan.

Also registered for the first time were 24 students from a selected group among students from the interior, including Sabah and Sarawak, with 44 international students from countries like Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Also present at the ceremony were members of the Board of Governors, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, members of the Senate, and USM senior officials. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa