KUALA LUMPUR, 14 October 2016 – The Minden campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) 45 years ago has etched many stories of its own, with some would fade as the days passed while others would remain amidst the varied individuals and the closeness between one another and with the surroundings.

That was said by the President of USM Alumni Association, Tan Sri Dato' Dzulkifli Abdul Razak at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Alumni Dinner Event – AUSM Awesome Night recently.

He said that, the USM campus does not only enrich with its greenery, but also with its occupants, with the closeness regardless of race, culture, belief and in fact, the USM campus serves as a ‘seedling bed’, to nurture and grow into what USM is all about.

"Tonight, we would reflect on all these not merely for nostalgic reasons; but what is more important is that, this would be a moment for comradeship, with the sharing of values and hopes for a more awesome future," he said.

Dzulkifli also hoped for all the cheerful stories and experiences from the past to materialise again to foster stronger ties between the Alumni members for a long time, wherever they may be.

Meanwhile, the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail urged all alumni to return to USM, as USM welcomes the involvement and cooperation with the Alumni Association to develop the university together as partners and stakeholders who would provide the added values to USM.

"I am happy to meet the Alumni members face-to-face, and I hope that we could together move USM further ahead, and to be well-renowned with the tradition of ‘We Lead’," she said.

Added Asma, USM would always welcome contributions, ideas and constructive criticisms from the alumni for the development of the university. The changes initiated would not only be for the success of individuals but would need to benefit the people and the country.

"I too believe that by organising relevant activities within the USM Alumni Association, it could bring the Alumni members closer and to promote a stronger feeling of togetherness between the members and USM.” 

"An important role of the Alumni Association would be, to serve as a platform for cooperation and to complement each generation, as the senior alumni members could share their knowledge and experiences, becoming mentors and providing opportunities to the junior alumni members to succeed in their careers," she explained further.

She also stressed that, the young alumni members, who are filled with energy and fresh ideas, should be involved in mobilising the Alumni Association to achieve its vision and mission and to continue contributing to the university.

His Royal Highness Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Syed Putra Jamalullail, the Chancellor of USM and Her Royal Highness Tuanku Tengku Fauziah binti Al-Marhum Tengku Abdul Rashid, the Raja Perempuan of Perlis graced the occasion, which was attended by more than 500 Alumni members of USM.

Also present were the Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Idris Jusoh and To’ Puan Seri Hajah Che Kamariah binti Zakaria, both of whom are alumni members of USM; the USM Pro-Chancellor and Patron of the USM Alumni Association, Tan Sri Datuk Mustafa Mansur and Puan Sri Datin Anita Aqeela Hiong; Chairman of the USM Board of Governors, Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Zulkefli A. Hassan and Puan Sri Norida Nachara Hamat; Dzulkifli’s wife Puan Sri Masrah Haji Abidin and Asma’s husband, Professor Dr. Ahmad Zakaria.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin / Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa