PENANG, August 2015 – The concept of "Pot Luck" was evident and proven to be successful in the recent 1USM Aidilfitri celebrations, where various PTJs (Schools and Centres) in the university contributed different types of food items to be shared together, in an effort to create a sense of togetherness during the event.

This was said by the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman, when delivering his welcoming speech in conjunction with the 1USM Hari Raya celebrations, here recently.

Approximately 5,000 people consisting of the USM community flooded the “Permatang Pelajar” area and around the Chancellory II grounds as early as 2.00 p.m. and all the dishes were finished by around 5.30 p.m. The guests were entertained by musicians from the School of the Arts and Dewan Budaya.

According to Omar, the Aidilfitri celebration was capable of strengthening the bonds of love, spirit of giving and receiving, and sense of gratitude by sharing what is available.

"In events such as this, we also take the opportunity to highlight some of the researchers’ products to the USM community especially food based products that can be shared together; one good example is the mushroom biscuits that have gained recognition abroad and are currently being commercialised," said Omar.

He stressed further, this is part of USM’s bid to popularise its research efforts to society as a form of successful knowledge transfer to the various communities so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of such research.

Omar added, in line with the spirit of returning to life’s essence during this Aidilfitri celebrations, there is currently a USM working team now in Kathmandu, Nepal to provide community services under the RM1,000 per home project to families affected by the recent earthquake which had destroyed property and life, and this affirms USM’s direct involvement in ensuring that knowledge and research would benefit society.

The Vice-Chancellor also felt proud with the efforts initiated by the USM staff in order to bring the university closer to the community, such as in helping the orphans, the needy “asnaf” group, single mothers, hospital patients, the disabled and those who had to obey the call of duty during “Hari Raya” day, blood donation campaigns and also helping those in need, including the “kutipan kilat” (donation drive).

The 1USM Aidilfitri celebration was also graced by the presence of the Penang Governor, His Excellency Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Abdul Rahman Haji Abbas, accompanied by his wife Yang Amat Berbahagia Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Utama Hajah Majimor Shariff, and escorted by a convoy of super bikes from the USM Super Bikers group.

Others who were present include the Chairman of the Board of Governors (LGU) USM, Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Zulkefli A. Hassan and his wife Puan Sri Datin Norida Nachara Hamat; the Vice-Chancellor's wife, Datin Noraizan Jamaludin; Deputy Vice-Chancellors and spouses; President of the Penang Malays’ Association (PEMENANG), Tan Sri Dato' Seri Haji Mohd Yussof Latiff; members of the LGU, Director of USM Engineering Campus, Professor Dr. Zainal Ariffin Ishak, Deans, department heads and key university officials.

Translation: Sharifah Zafirah Syed Nassir/Text: Siti Naquiah Binti Abdillah/Photo: Mohd. Fairus Md. Isa / Zamani Abd. Rahim.