USM, PENANG, 24 November 2016 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) International Week is a major event organised annually by the Postgraduate Students Association (PSA) and USM Non-Resident Students (PETAS). First organised by PSA and PETAS in 2005, this year marks the 11th edition of the endeavour in realising it to become an exciting event at USM.

This was stated by the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail in her speech at the Gala Night 2016, held at the Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra (DTSP) here this evening.

According to Asma, as Malaysians, all of us should appreciate the presence of the international students, and to show and regard them as our own family members because it would provide them with the learning experience once they return to their own countries.

"It gives me great pleasure to see the different colours of the globe here tonight, and this shows how diverse the cultures and nationalities are at the USM campus, enriching us with their presence," she said.

Asma added that, this event is expected to achieve its objectives in showcasing the different cultures to the campus community, which would assist in the agenda on internationalisation.

Meanwhile, the Director of Recruit Place & Train Pte. Ltd. Singapore, Patrick Hogan, regarded USM as one of the best educational institutions which he has cooperated with since 2013.

"Internationalise yourselves and keep on networking with the global communities," Patrick stated in his welcoming remarks.

The Gala Night saw an audience of 2,300, with representatives from close to 20 countries joining in the celebration and presenting spectacular performances.

Also present at the event were the Vice-Chancellor's husband, Dato' Dr. Ahmad Zakaria; China Scholarship Council representative, Kenneth Quah Kim Kean; Director of Tourism and Culture Ministry, Penang Office, Jonathan Freddy Bagang; USM Postgraduate Students Association (PSA) Advisor, Associate Professor Dr. Anees Janee Ali; President of PSA, Mohammad Ali Sarvgadi and Director of the 11th USM International Week, Khalique Nizamani.

The USM International Week 2016 is a three-day event which also included a cultural exhibition portraying the cultural diversity, offering an understanding of international cultures, history and heritage, as well as in sharing the students' experiences and way of life within a diverse and global context.

At the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor also gave away prizes to winners of the International Week Most Creative Booth, where 3rd Place went to Iran, 2nd Place to Yemen and 1st Place won by Palestine.

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah / Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa