25 USM ENGINEERING CAMPUS STUDENTS TAKE PART IN CULTURAL PROGRAMME AT SEBERANG PERAI PRISON

NIBONG TEBAL, 14 January 2026 - The Student Development and Alumni Affairs Division (BHEPA), Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Unit of Seberang Perai Prison, recently organised the Behind the Bars Cultural Programme at Seberang Perai Prison.

The programme involved 25 students from the USM Engineering Campus and was led by BHEPA Cultural Officer, Mohd Nur Badri Mohd Nazli.

A total of 209 prospects took part in the programme, comprising 169 male and 40 female prospects, who presented a variety of cultural performances throughout the event.

The initiative aimed to support rehabilitation efforts through music therapy, while providing prospects with a platform to showcase their talents, build self-confidence, and strengthen social integration within a rehabilitative environment.

In addition, the programme offered meaningful exposure for USM students to the realities of life faced by the prospects, fostering values of gratitude, empathy, and understanding of second chances, while also contributing towards reducing social stigma.

Throughout the programme, students and guests were treated to a diverse range of cultural and artistic performances, including an opening dance by female prospects, Alu-Alu dance, vocal performances, Zapin Mahpom dance, poetry recitation by USM students, and a live band performance by male prospects.

Deputy Prison Director PP Rozita Sharif, together with the Head of the Correctional Division, TPP Nik Md Hanis bin Nik Mohd Hassian, also delivered words of advice to the USM students and expressed their highest appreciation for the university’s involvement in the programme. They expressed hope that such collaboration would continue as a platform for future engagement.

Also present were the Assistant Head of the Correctional Division, Assistant Superintendent of Prison Mohd Fadly Teppo; Chief Prison Inspector Tuan Zurhusni Tuan Mustapha; Head of the Rehabilitation Unit, Encik Lokmanhakim Abas; the Prison Psychologist, as well as senior prison officers.

Representing USM were the Head of the Student Development and Alumni Affairs Unit, Engineering Campus, Mohd Hafiz Ali Mohd Anuar, and BHEPA Psychologist, Muhammad Anif bin Mohd Robi.

Text: Courtesy of Seberang Perai Prison Media Unit & Mohd Nur Badri Mohd Nazli / Photo: Courtesy of Seberang Perai Prison Media Unit

Edited by: Siti Faizah Abd Halim