USM PENANG, 24 November 2023 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) took a strategic step in making its presence felt in Kuala Lumpur through the transformation and rebranding of its learning and research centre premise in Kuala Lumpur known as USM@KL, with the target of increasing 100 percent postgraduate enrolment.

Chairman of the USM Board of Governors, Dato’ Seri Dr. Awang Adek Hussin said, USM@KL is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city and offers competitive and high value postgraduate programmes.

Awang Adek, who was speaking at the opening of the USM@KL on 9 October, said the move from Wisma Sejarah, Jalan Tun Razak, to MoF Inc Tower, Platinum Park, Persiaran KLCC, marked a rebranding of Sains@KL to USM@KL.

USM@KL was established on 1 November 2013 to offer high impact academic programmes, and was initially called Institute of Graduate Studies USM@KL, before it was renamed Sains@KL, and further renamed USM@KL on 16 November last year.

The increase in number of students, said Awang necessitated the move to a bigger, more conducive learning environment.

“USM@KL currently has 463 postgraduate students enrolled compared to only 61 in 2012, with 254 of the total number of students made up of international students,” he added.

“We want to double our enrolment as the new premise can accommodate about 1,000 students here.

“We know that learning environment is essential for international talents looking to pursue their studies here.

“Our new premises is strategically located in the heart of KL, which we feel will prove attractive to many,” he said.

USM@KL currently offers seven masters and doctoral degree programmes in the fields of communication, sustainable development practice, psychology, cognitive neurosciences and science.

The doctoral degrees are jointly offered with Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).

Awang Adek added that there are also plans to offer more programmes moving forward.

“Our fees are very affordable compared to other universities. With the currency exchange now, it is very cheap for foreigners to come and study here,” he said, adding that although USM@KL is now situated in a modern building in the heart of the city, the fees have not increased.

“We are assisted by the government and we were offered this space, which belongs to the Ministry of Finance, at a special rate. Since our rental is not too high, we don’t see the need to increase the tuition fees.”

Also present at the event were USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed; Usains Holding Sdn. Bhd. Chairman, Datuk Dr. Hafsah Hashim; and USM@KL Institute of Postgraduate Studies Deputy Dean, Associate Professor Dr. Hasrina Mustafa.

Abdul Rahman said, aside from being situated in a strategic location with ample access to public transport facilities, USM@KL is also furnished with good study facilities.

“USM@KL is equipped with computer labs, classrooms with a capacity of up to 100 people, RFID Self-Check Library System, counseling room, EEG (Electroencephalogram) room, Teleconferencing System Video, and high-speed Internet,” he said in his welcome address.

"The presence of USM in Kuala Lumpur can strengthen the industrial network between the university and various corporate companies and international organisations here, in addition to opening up more opportunities for professionals in the capital and Klang Valley to continue their studies," he explained.

"Today's education landscape has changed and universities are facing many new challenges, one of which is the rapid technological change in teaching and learning.

“Universities must therefore move fast, be agile and offer financial independence programmes to remain relevant and competitive," he added.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe