WESTERN DIGITAL - USM CONVOCATION CEREMONY 2026 CELEBRATES EDiDAMM AND VACUUM TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE GRADUATES

PENANG, 6 May 2026 - The Western Digital (WD) - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Convocation Ceremony 2026 was successfully held at Sains@USM, Bukit Jambul, on 29 April 2026.

The ceremony was organised to celebrate the achievements of participants who successfully completed the Executive Diploma in Data Analytics for Manufacturing Materials (EDiDAMM) and the Professional Certificate in Vacuum Technology for Thin Film Deposition, through a strategic collaboration between the USM and Western Digital (WD) Media.

In her speech, the Director of USM Engineering Campus, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, described the ceremony as a privilege to celebrate industry partners and graduates of the professional diploma and certificate programmes.

She emphasised that the achievement reflects more than just programme completion, but also demonstrates discipline, resilience and a strong commitment to continuous learning, particularly in balancing career demands and personal responsibilities.

She further highlighted that participation in the programme represents a strategic decision to strengthen technical capabilities and enhance understanding within the ever-evolving engineering and manufacturing landscape.

“In a dynamic industrial environment, the ability to continuously learn, adapt and improve is essential,” she said.

She added that the programme was designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry practice, with emphasis on structured thinking, problem-solving skills and effective decision-making.

Professor Mariatti also noted that the knowledge gained can be translated into practical applications in the workplace, including improving processes, enhancing quality and addressing operational challenges.

She also expressed appreciation to industry partners, particularly Western Digital, for their continuous collaboration and support in developing a competent and future-ready workforce.

Also present were Western Digital Vice President and General Manager of WD Media (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Mr Dwight Iha; Mr EB Quah from Non-Sputter Engineering; Dean of the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Professor Ts. Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Ariff; as well as Ir. Dr. Hussin Mamat, representing the Apex Business Unit (ABU) and the Dean of the School of Aerospace Engineering.

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