CAREER FEST 2025, A MANIFESTATION OF USM’S COMMITMENT TO HOLISTIC STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

NIBONG TEBAL, 23 April 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to take proactive steps in developing student character and potential through the launch of Career Fest (CF) 2025, held today at its Engineering Campus.

In his officiating speech, USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed stated that CF 2025 is not merely a career exhibition, but a comprehensive and holistic human development festival.

“Career Fest 2025 comprises four main subprogrammes, strategically and holistically designed to meet the current needs of students,” he said.

“This approach not only provides career-related information but also fosters self-confidence, expands students’ professional and social networks, and enriches their campus experience,” he added.

At the event, he also welcomed the implementation of the GearUP MARA Programme, a collaborative initiative with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) involving 100 SPM leavers from B40 families in Penang.

“This programme focuses on developing communication skills, leadership, and self-confidence, paving a broader pathway to higher education,” he said, while emphasising the importance of such strategic collaborations in achieving USM’s mission to produce graduates who are not only academically excellent but also competent.

In addition to welcoming student participation from public and private higher education institutions nationwide, the Vice-Chancellor urged all attendees to fully utilise the opportunities offered.

He also extended his appreciation to the programme’s Platinum and Gold sponsors, as well as industry representatives who continue to support student development initiatives like CF 2025.

Meanwhile, CF 2025 Director, Muhammad Wafiq Mazlan, in his speech highlighted that human development should not be confined to the classroom alone, and all Career Fest activities were curated to enhance student potential from various perspectives.

“These include communication skills, self-confidence, global competitiveness, emotional balance, and personal expression—aligned with the university’s aspiration to shape students with HEBAT attributes,” he said.

Among the highlights of this year’s Career Fest are the Career Fair, which features over 68 companies from various industries; the Engineering Convention, a platform for intellectual discourse on current and future engineering issues; the Night of Music Festival, set to take place tonight to celebrate campus and community talent in the arts; and the Mutiara Street Attractions, bringing together vendors, food trucks, and an e-sports zone.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim / Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman