PENANG MASTER BUILDERS SPONSORS GOLD MEDAL AWARD FOR USM CIVIL ENGINEERING’S TOP STUDENT

PENANG, 14 August 2026 - Penang Master Builders (PMB) has contributed RM32,500 to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to sponsor the USM Gold Medal Award, recognising the outstanding final-year student of the Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours programme.

The sponsorship further strengthens the strategic partnership between USM and the industry in developing high-quality engineering talent that meets industry needs and supports national development.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, said the contribution was significant and aligned with the university’s efforts to strengthen its industry networks and collaborations, which have been established for more than 15 years.

“Collaboration between industry and academia is crucial to ensure that we produce the best talent,” he said in his speech at the cheque presentation ceremony held here today.

The award will be presented beginning in the 2026/2027 Academic Session to the top final-year student from the School of Civil Engineering, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus, USM.

To further enhance the impact of the recognition, the accompanying cash prize for the Gold Medal and certificate of appreciation has also been increased from RM500 to RM1,000.

USM currently offers at least 30 Gold Medal Awards across various fields of study, in addition to Book Awards recognising outstanding students from their first year through to their final year.

Meanwhile, PMB President Tan Yee Churd said the sponsorship reflects the association’s commitment to supporting the national education and human capital development agenda, particularly in conjunction with the association’s 150th anniversary celebration next year.

He said the sponsorship also continues PMB’s support for USM, following its sponsorship of a Gold Medal Award for the School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) in 2016.

“It is hoped that this sponsorship and strategic collaboration will serve as a strong platform to foster academic excellence among students and strengthen ties between academia and industry towards developing human capital that benefits society and the nation,” he said.

Text: Media and Public Relations Centre/Photo: Media and Public Relations Centre