USM, PENANG, 3 September 2016 - The University Recreation Park is an asset of the university that requires proper caretaking and continually maintained for it to be fully utilised in the future.

The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman was there earlier this morning together with more than 300 students, and taking part in the Tree-planting 'Adopt-a-tree' Programme, to plant 100 fruit trees, including some durian species.

Omar said that, the trees planted today would need to be cared for, and the yield in the future would be for the university. We need to ensure that the yield is of good quality to generate returns for the university.

"Caring for this recreation park is a responsibility of the whole USM community and volunteers, and from time to time this park could be utilised for university activities as well, for example the 'Pimpin Siswa' programme," he said.

He also urged the students to emulate the alumni members and staff who have returned to serve the university and express their appreciation to be part of a sustainability-led University that also adopted The University in a Garden concept.

The programme was organised by the Healthy Campus Secretariat and the University Recreation Park.

Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Dato' Dr. Muhamad Jantan; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students Development Affairs and Alumni), Professor Dato' Dr. Adnan Hussein; Deans, Heads of Departments and key university officials.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah / Photo: Ebrahim Abdul Manan