USM ENSURES WELFARE OF 854 NEW ENGINEERING STUDENTS, NO ONE LEFT BEHIND DUE TO FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS

NIBONG TEBAL, 23 September 2026 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has assured that the welfare, well-being and financial support of its new students will continue to receive due attention to ensure they can pursue their studies effectively without being burdened by financial difficulties.

This was stated by USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, in his address to 854 new engineering students during the USM Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus (KKTSS) Student Welcome Ceremony held here today.

He said that approximately 58 percent of USM’s overall new student intake this year comprises students from B40 families, reflecting the University’s commitment to ensuring that economic background is not a barrier to access to higher education.

“Not everyone entering university comes from a financially well-off family. Some have been given the opportunity to pursue their studies despite financial constraints.

“Let us not have students going hungry, having to cut back on meals or being unable to focus on their studies because of financial difficulties. We do not want this to happen,” he said.

He said USM, through various initiatives, would continue its efforts to ensure that students in need receive assistance, including through Projek Sulung, Zakat Zawain and Dapur Siswa MADANI BHEPA.

He added that through Projek Sulung, the University also reaches out to students to assess their circumstances and identify those in need of assistance, while students who may have missed certain opportunities but fulfil the eligibility requirements will also be given attention and support by the University.

“If there are students who have been overlooked but actually meet the requirements to receive assistance, USM will try to help. We want to ensure that our students can go through their studies in the best possible way,” he said.

“Four years or more at university is a very valuable opportunity. Make the most of this period so that you can break out of the cycle of poverty and build a better future,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor urged students to make the most of their university years by being active in their studies, student associations, volunteer activities and group projects to develop communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills required in the workplace.

He also reminded students not to rely too heavily on artificial intelligence (AI), but instead strengthen their foundations in science, mathematics and engineering, as well as their ability to think and make independent decisions.

He said AI should be used ethically and responsibly as a tool to support learning.

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