USM PENANG, 27 April 2020 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is privileged to be selected by YTL Foundation as the first public institute of higher learning (IPTA) to extend its Learn From Home Initiative.

Under this initiative, until 31 May 2020, up to 30,000 USM students and some selected USM staff members are expected to benefit from applying for a free Yes 4G SIM card (limited to one unit per person) that includes 40GB of data which is valid for 60 days upon activation.

This initiative is the result of a recent collaboration between USM and YTL Foundation and is extended to support the online teaching and learning activities carried out by USM during this period of the COVID-19 outbreak.

USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Sustainability and Institutional Development (DVC SID), Professor Dr. Md. Roslan Hashim said, USM is well pleased with this timely collaboration with YTL Foundation as these SIM cards would be particularly helpful for those with unstable or limited Internet connection at their homes to participate fully in their ongoing online teaching and learning activities.

“We truly appreciate the Foundation for providing the Learn From Home free Yes 4G SIM cards in supporting the move by the University to implement and facilitate online learning activities for its students,” he added.

Application for the free SIM card can be made directly at https://ytlfoundation.org/usm/.

Referring to a statement issued by YTL Foundation on 22 April 2020, YTL Foundation has supported students pursuing degrees in tertiary institutions since 1997 and over the years has granted scholarships to many talented students from USM.

“Enabling USM students to access their online lectures and resources will ensure that none of their students will be left behind due to the lack of affordable and high speed data.”

The collaboration with YTL Foundation is one of the many ongoing initiatives carried out by USM through the DVC SID office to ensure that USM students and staff can continue to manage the emerging challenges of online teaching and learning.

As the lack of high-speed Internet connectivity and high data subscription costs being among the main challenges in ensuring a smooth teaching and learning experience, the university has reached out to several telecommunication providers in seeking tailored solutions for the USM community.

USM’s Mobile Access Coordinator, Dr. Shankar Karuppayah has been tasked to spearhead this effort.

According to Shankar, who is also a senior lecturer at the USM National Advanced IPv6 (NAv6) Centre, USM is still in the process of negotiating similar planned packages from other major telecommunication providers.

“A few are in the pipeline for the USM community and will be announced as they are made available, so that USM could continue to provide the best learning experience to the students studying from home as well as staff working from home.”

“Credit must be given also to the Vice-Chancellor, DVC Academic and International and DVC Student Development Affairs & Alumni for providing the much needed input and support as well as the Academic Management Division and the Centre for Knowledge, Communication & Technology (PPKT) for data and technical support,” he added.

Text: Dr. Shankar Karuppayah & Tan Ewe Hoe