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The existence of the Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in Transkrian, Nibong Tebal, is very prominent and unique for a small town at the southern end of Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS), and two other small towns that border it, namely Parit Buntar in Perak and Bandar Baharu in Kedah. This prominence and uniqueness is highlighted by the design and layout of the buildings and its landscape which are all modern and futuristic in concept. The existence of this campus is even more notable because this is the only institution of higher learning (IPT) in this area, which can still be categorized as a rural area.

This 146.65 hectare campus was originally an oil palm plantation. It was developed based on a futuristic yet environmentally friendly concept. To date, the campus houses approximately 3,200 students.

The birth of this campus is in line with the desire of USM in particular, and the government in general, to expand studies in the field of engineering to produce human capital that is the core and driver of national development and advancement. It began as a center for applied science studies at the main campus of USM in 1972. The era of engineering studies began at this university in 1984 when this center of study was reorganized into two disciplines and named the Center for the Study of Engineering Science & Industrial Technology. The need to accommodate the rapid development in the field of engineering studies prompted USM to physically separate this field of study. With that, a branch campus specifically for the field of engineering studies was born.

Originally, this branch campus was located in Seri Iskandar, a town located approximately 28 kilometres from Ipoh city, Perak. In keeping with its location, the campus was named the Perak Branch Campus (KCP). However, after 15 years (1986-2001) in the neighbouring state, the campus returned to its home state, Penang, and its name was changed to the Engineering Campus.

True to its name, this campus offers educational opportunities in various fields of engineering to Malaysians and foreigners. To date, it houses six engineering study centres. The study centres are the School of Aerospace Engineering, the School of Civil Engineering, the School of Materials & Mineral Resources, the School of Electrical & Electronics, the School of Chemistry and the School of Mechanics. These study centres offer educational opportunities from undergraduate to doctoral (PhD) levels. In addition, this campus also houses two research centres, namely the River and Urban Drainage Engineering Research Centre (REDAC) and the Science and Engineering Research Centre (SERC).

In addition to the study and research centers in the field of engineering, this campus also contains the Language, Literacy and Translation Studies Center and the Knowledge, Communication and Technology Center (PPKT). The main function of these centers is to provide related services to campus residents and also to the surrounding community. Other service centers are the Registrar's Department, Treasurer's Department, Library, Health Department, Development Department and Security Department.

The location of this campus, which covers three small towns in three neighboring states, is very strategic. In keeping with its nature as the only IPT in this area, it is expected to be a catalyst to accelerate the growth of all three districts. The presence of this campus will help create an economic growth corridor that covers Nibong Tebal-Parit Buntar-Bandar Baharu and the surrounding areas. In this regard, the role played by this campus is in line with the government's planning and efforts to develop rural areas and small towns.

It is the responsibility and hope of the residents of this campus, and the hope of the entire community, that this Engineering Campus continues to flourish and develop to serve the community and raise the aspirations of the country.