USM ENGINEERING CAMPUS DIRECTOR DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT SISWA LESTARI 2025/2026

NIBONG TEBAL, 29 September 2025 - Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) Engineering Campus Director, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, delivered a keynote address to 792 new students during the Siswa Lestari Programme for the 2025/2026 Academic Session here today.

In her speech, she stressed that the selection of the new cohort was the result of a rigorous evaluation process, placing them among the best to join the USM community.

“USM is not just an educational institution, but a community that nurtures, supports and celebrates the achievements of its members,” she said.

She added that the university would be the place where students build knowledge, character, values and networks that will serve them well in the future.

Highlighting the challenges ahead, Prof. Mariatti reminded the students that the next four years would demand resilience, mental and emotional strength, as well as the courage to innovate in the ever-evolving field of engineering.

“Engineering is not an easy discipline. Students will be tested not only intellectually, but also in their endurance and perseverance, qualities that will shape them into competent, respected engineers capable of making an impact on society,” she said.

She also urged students to appreciate the unwavering support of their families, especially their parents, who have been the backbone of their success.

“Do not be afraid of failure, because failure is part of the learning process. What matters most is the ability to rise again and persevere, drawing strength from your parents’ hopes and dreams,” she said.

“Every achievement will be the most meaningful gift to them,” she added.

The Siswa Lestari Programme is held annually in conjunction with the registration of new students.

For the 2025/2026 Academic Session, registration took place recently, on September 28.

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