USM, PENANG, March 2019 – USMBiz and FACELIFT are two initiatives recently announced during the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor Annual Address for 2019, with the theme 'Bringing USM to the World and the World to USM'.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail delivered her annual address to the campus community, beginning with its Main Campus in Penang Island (26 February 2019), followed by the Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal (1 March 2019) and the Health Campus in Kubang Kerian Kelantan (3 March 2019).

USMBiz is an official online platform catering to the various business offerings of the university. It’s a multi-business application that is safe and unique, allowing the USM community to have access at their convenience.

According to the Director of the USM Business Development Centre, Professor Datuk Dr. Abdul Khalil bin H.P. Shawkataly, “the portal that was developed offers seven key university services, namely Sports, Rental Space, Professional Services, Tourism@USM, Laboratories, Publications and Merchandise for Sale.

“This initiative reflects the commitment of the university in providing products and services to the staff, students and the campus community in an effective manner, as bookings for those offerings are now available at your fingertips,” he added.

Another initiative introduced was the Funding for APEX Collaboration on Excellence Learning Infrastructure and Technology or in short, FACELIFT. It utilises the idea of crowdfunding in preparing the university to offer better and more inspiring academic programmes and learning experiences.

The initiative looks at the readiness of infrastructure and supporting facilities available on campus to support the university’s commitment towards providing new learning spaces and the upgrading of lecture rooms and halls to be better-equipped with interactive technology.

Both the initiatives are aimed at making USM a Preferred University by Design, as it celebrates its 50^th year and welcomes students from around the world to its campuses at different locations, as it continues to cater to the demands and needs for multi-disciplinary education and advanced research activities, in preparing the nation towards a more sustainable future.