VC LAUNCHES DAPUR SISWA @ ENGINEERING CAMPUS DURING 2025/2026 ACADEMIC SESSION MAJLIS SAMBUTAN SISWA

NIBONG TEBAL, 3 October 2025 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has reinforced its commitment to student welfare with the launch of the Dapur Siswa @ Engineering Campus initiative, officiated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed during the 2025/2026 Academic Session Majlis Sambutan Siswa held here today.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the initiative reflects USM’s concern for student well-being, particularly those from the B40 group, asnaf, and underprivileged backgrounds, by ensuring continuous access to nutritious staple food.

“This programme also introduces the Food Retort, Ready-to-Eat innovation, a meal that can last up to two years and is expected to benefit at least 200 students at the Engineering Campus,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor added that the initiative is fully driven by the Division of Student Development Affairs and Alumni (BHEPA), which has been instrumental in spearheading student welfare programmes on campus.

“My hope is that the Dapur Siswa @ Engineering Campus initiative will truly help ease the burden of students in need, and that it will continue to be strengthened and expanded in the future for the wellbeing of our students,” he said.

In his speech, Abdul Rahman also congratulated 799 new engineering undergraduates who successfully secured a place at USM, including 35 international students currently undergoing orientation at the Main Campus.

“Today marks the beginning of a new journey that will shape you into knowledgeable, competitive individuals who will serve society,” he added.

Touching on the university’s direction, the Vice-Chancellor said USM continues to strengthen its Industry on Campus concept through strategic collaborations with key sectors such as Electrical & Electronics (E&E), automotive, medical devices, green technology and petrochemicals.

“These collaborations open up wide opportunities for students to undergo industrial training, engage in joint research with industry, and obtain professional certifications, not just classroom learning, but also opportunities to address real-world challenges,” he said.

He added that such opportunities would make USM graduates better prepared for the job market upon completing their studies.

At the same time, the Vice-Chancellor stressed that the university also prioritises student wellbeing through continuous upgrades of campus facilities, including audio-visual systems at the Lecture Complex, Main Hall, Multipurpose Hall and Banquet Hall.

“Sports facilities such as volleyball, netball and basketball courts are also being upgraded,” he said, adding that several additional allocations have been approved specifically for the Engineering Campus to enhance facilities and create a conducive ecosystem for learning and co-curricular activities.

Also present at the event were Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A. Wahab; Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Industry and Community, who is also performing the functions of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Development Affairs and Alumni, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran; and Director of the Engineering Campus, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha.

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