PENANG, 3 April 2015 - The marketability of its graduates is the main pillar and main priority of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in driving excellence for the future.

In his speech to launch the USM 2015 Career and Education Expo (EKSPEN 2015) at the Dewan Utama Pelajar (DUP) USM Main campus here today, USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman expressed hope that EKSPEN 2015 would be able to assist students by familiarising them with the working environment and explore future career opportunities.

“Quality graduates must be prepared to face various challenges and to take on responsibilities in the work environment later on, by utilising knowledge and skills acquired as APEX university students, which will contribute to their growth from the academic and personal aspects,” said Omar.

The Vice-Chancellor further emphasised that students of USM need to prepare themselves by enhancing their interpersonal skills before venturing out into the working world.

Meanwhile, the Director of EKSPEN 2015, Norsyazana Ahmad Zamree, expressed her hope that EKSPEN would be a platform which could assist future graduates to enhance their marketability.

“The co-operation between the university and government agencies as well as the private sector players participating in EKSPEN this year promises a valuable sharing of knowledge and experience for future graduates,” added Norsyazana.

Themed “Unleashing Your Potential” EKSPEN 2015 is different this year as it promotes sustainability in driving the USM agenda, in line with the aspirations of the APEX university. This was exemplified through various activities, including the modest opening ceremony which was held outdoors.

The Vice-Chancellor also launched the official flag for EKSPEN to project the EKSPEN branding which is being held for the 14^th year.

EKSPEN is an annual event which is held to assist students plan and explore potential employment opportunities in the future. This year, 59 organisations including TalentCorp, Jobstreet.com, Toray Group and Maybank participated, providing more than 1,000 career opportunities via their career exhibitions and open interviews for future graduates.

Organised by the Graduate Placement Centre from the Student Affairs and Development Unit (BHEPP), the main sponsors for this year’s fair were Cisco System, GS Paper & Packaging Sdn Bhd and also Public Bank.

Also present at the opening ceremony were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students Affairs and Alumni), Professor Dr. Adnan Hussein; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network), Professor Dato' Dr. See Ching Mey; Deputy Registrar, (Students Affairs) USM, Haji Husin Yahaya; university officials, and heads of student organisations.

Note: EKSPEN 2015 which ended last Saturday witnessed a large turnout, with more than 1,700 registered participants from USM and also from USM Health Campus, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), MARA Polytechnic College Alor Setar, Seberang Jaya Community College and Bayan Baru Community College. - Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Text: Siti Naquiah Abdillah/Photos: Mohd Fairus Md Isa