PENANG, July 2015 - Universiti Sains Malaysia Foundation (USM Foundation) will organise four charity programmes this year to raise funds for the various ‘Tabung’ (Fund) set up under the Foundation to help advance the strategic priorities of the University for the benefit of its community.

“The exciting programmes that have been lined up are International Food Fair, Charity Dinner, Charity Golf Tournament and Bike Week aimed at raising funds from among the corporate figures, philanthropists, alumni, industry leaders and private foundations,” said USM Foundation Manager, Fadzilla Bosman.

These programmes will be implemented beginning September 2015 through partnership with numerous parties including USM Super Bikers Club which has a large membership and fan base.

“In March 2015, the Foundation has also launched Dermasiswa Kasih USM which focuses on helping students from very poor families (bottom billion), and the funds collected will be distributed to the students most in need beginning with the new 2015/2016 intake,” she said.

The USM Foundation is governed by its Board of Trustees chaired by USM Pro Chancellor Tan Sri Datuk Mustafa Mansur and a few appointed members including USM Board of Governors Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Zulkefli A. Hassan and USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman.

“The USM Foundation was established under the Trustees (Incorporation) Act 1952 (Act 258) on 31 March 2014 with the mission to generate, strategise and manage funds to provide assistance and support to USM in achieving its goals.

“Nine types of Fund (Tabung) have been created under the USM Foundation namely Kursi Fund, Research Fund, Academic and Internationalisation Fund, Engagement (Community and Industry) Fund, Talent (Scholarship and Prizes) Fund, APEX Fund, Building and Maintenance Fund, Islamic Endowment Fund, and General Fund,” explained Fadzilla.

She said until March 2015, USM Foundation has successfully raised RM2.8 million to help fund the needy students as well as for the construction of two new buildings, laboratory equipment and student scholarships.

USM is grateful to all those who have contributed generously to the Foundation, including the most recent donors -- the USM alumni from Indonesia and USM senior professors.

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the USM Foundation, please log on to the website www.yayasan.usm.my for more information on how to make online contribution.

Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe/Text: Nor Rafizah Haji Md Zain