PENANG, 3 April 2015 – The Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman called for more foreign universities’ participation at the upcoming Novel Research Innovation Competition (NRIC) 2015.

“I hope that NRIC 2015 will be able to attract as many final year research projects as possible, especially from undergraduates in foreign and ASEAN universities,” said Omar.

Themed 'Modernising Innovation Beyond Novelty Research', NRIC 2015 is a research competition that focuses on producing new discoveries in Science and Technology and also in Creative Arts, with a view towards enhancing the lives of the bottom billion in line with USM’s mission and vision.

Speaking at a press conference following the launching of the 2015 Education and Career Fair (EKSPEN 2015) at the Dewan Utama Pelajar USM in the Penang main campus today, Omar expressed his hope that this year’s NRIC would encourage students to enhance career opportunities independently, in line with the university’s emphasis on sustainability.

“USM students are capable of organising competitions and creating new innovations that gains recognition not only from their lecturers who subsequently employ these students as research assistants, but also by industry players who view NRIC as a venue to spot for future talent among our youths,” he added.

This year marks the ninth NRIC, an annual research competition open to all final year undergraduates. It is organised by the USM Student Representative Council (MPPUSM) and is fully managed by USM students. This year’s competition will take place on 9-12 August 2015. - Translation: Dr Nurul Farhana Low Abdullah/Text: Syuhada Abdul Aziz/Photos: Mohd Fairus Md Isa