HWS 2025, UNIVERSITY EXCELLENCE STARTS WITH HEALTHY AND HAPPY STAFF - VC

NIBONG TEBAL, 16 August 2025 – The success of a university is not solely measured by academic achievements or research accomplishments, but rather begins with the well-being of its staff, who must be healthy, happy, and supportive of one another.

This was the statement made by the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, during his opening speech at the Staff Day (HWS) 2025 held at the USM Engineering Campus this morning.

Since its inception in 1999, HWS has evolved from being just a recreational event to a symbol of recognition for the entire USM staff, who have contributed to making the university a dynamic community of knowledge.

“Today is not just about competition, but it is a day for us to get to know each other beyond departmental boundaries, compete in a healthy spirit, and build a sense of pride in being part of the larger USM ecosystem,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, “Warga Ceria, Gemilang Bersama” (“Happy Staff, Together We Shine”), which he described as perfectly aligned with USM’s aspiration to promote holistic well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects.

“We often talk about publications, research, and teaching, but the true success of an institution begins with its grassroots strength, the staff who have made USM a vibrant and dynamic community of knowledge,” he explained.

Reflecting on the five-contingent competition at HWS, which involves staff from four different campuses, the Vice-Chancellor expressed his hope that the entire event would be celebrated in the spirit of camaraderie and togetherness.

“I encourage everyone to use HWS as an opportunity to interact, support one another, and build connections across campuses, whether from the Main Campus, Engineering Campus, IPPT, or the Health Campus,” he added.

This year's edition will see five contingents competing, each representing a bird species as a symbol of strength and unity. These contingents include Pipit Hutan (Engineering Campus), Merbah Surih (Main Campus), Sambar Kuning (Health Campus), Pekaka Udang (USM Specialist Hospital), and Pucung Harimau (Advanced Medical and Dental Institute) – all vying for the coveted rotating trophy.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Industry and Community Networks, who also holds the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student and Alumni Affairs, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran, Director of the Engineering Campus, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, and senior university management.

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