PENANG, 31 August 2016 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Postgraduate Students Association (PSA) is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and belonging among the postgraduate students at the university towards collective learning, enhancing mobility among them and coming together to organise local and international events.

This was stated by the newly elected PSA President, Mohammad Ali Sarvghadi, who also mentioned that PSA aims to provide a platform to all local and international students from around the world studying at USM to expand their horizons, reach their full potential, and make a difference in the world around them with their diverse talents, ideas and enthusiasm.

"PSA USM was established to provide students with the opportunity to share their ideas, communicate with each other, and engage in social and organisational activities, and also to assist in developing the postgraduate culture at USM," he said.

He added, through this platform, students not only engage and administer the social and extracurricular activities but also contribute towards the academic upbringing of the members and community through organising different academic workshops and seminars.

Furthermore, PSA has long ago extended its boundaries towards international collaboration with various postgraduate students associations, such as Prince of Songkla University (PSU), UiTM, and UUM, and has been running successful programmes like ASEAN Future Leaders Summit (AFLES) through these collaborations.

"PSA is the pioneer of organising different international events such as USM International Week and USM International Day where students get the chance to get to know each other’s culture and learn from one other.

"These types of programmes which showcase the diverse nationalities, cultures, colours and societies of the world, not only increase our knowledge and understanding but also foster the brotherhood and friendship among the students, hence creating a peaceful and harmonious environment at the campus and to a greater extend our nation," Ali added.

Apart from that, PSA also encourages its members to be involved in community welfare programmes and has been organising various programmes for the welfare of the underprivileged communities around them, such as visits to the Balik Pulau kampung, fundraising for flood victims and health awareness programmes.

PSA is also committed to promote Malaysia and Malaysian universities especially USM at different international events held during the year such as AFLES.

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah