Perhaps you have heard the motto Kami Memimpin. It means We Lead. That is the spirit of Universiti Sains Malaysia USM. We stand here at the threshold of an institution. It is more than just bricks and mortar. USM is a place of dreams and discoveries.
Universiti Sains Malaysia was founded on June 1 1969. It began as a statutory body with its own constitution. USM is the second oldest university in Malaysia. It is also the oldest institute of higher learning in Northern Malaysia.
Initially known as the University of Penang Universiti Pulau Pinang USM started small. Classes were held at the Malayan Teachers Training College at Gelugor. There were only 57 science-based students. The first schools were Biological Sciences Chemical Sciences and Physics and Mathematics.
One year later USM expanded. It added Cultural Studies and Humanities Educational Studies and Social Sciences. In 1971 USM moved to its present location in Minden. The site spans 239 hectares. It was once the British Far East Command’s Minden Barracks.
The campus’s name is a nod to history. Minden is a city in Germany. The barracks were named after the Battle of Minden.
Over the years Universiti Sains Malaysia has grown. It now has six campuses. The main campus remains here in Gelugor Penang. There is a health campus in Kelantan. An engineering campus is in Nibong Tebal. The Advanced Medical and Dental Institute is in Kepala Batas. USM also has a postgraduate studies campus in Kuala Lumpur. Its International Medical Programme Campus is in Belgaum India.
USM is the only APEX university in Malaysia. APEX stands for Accelerated Programs for Excellence. The government funds this autonomous university.
USM’s coat of arms tells a story. The native shield features two krises and an open book. A Bunga Raya or hibiscus flower is at the base. Two tigers support the shield. Each holds a palm frond.
Many notable figures have passed through USM’s halls. These alumni include politicians and leaders. Chow Kon Yeow is the current Chief Minister of Penang. Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor is the current Menteri Besar of Kedah.
USM is not just about academics. It is about a vibrant campus life. There are musical ensembles such as the USM Jazz Band. Students play Chinese musical instruments in the Chinese Orchestra. Martial arts clubs thrive here too.
Sports are an integral part of USM. Facilities include archery ranges and cricket fields. You can also find badminton courts tennis courts and swimming pools. The university hosts the Annual Pesta Hoki Hockey Festival since 1973.
Universiti Sains Malaysia is committed to sustainability. Its vision is Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow. UNESCO recognizes USM for its community engagement. The USM Happiness Index promotes a feel-good factor on campus.
USM continues to evolve. It strives for excellence at the international level. It empowers future talents. It transforms socioeconomic well-being. As you leave USM remember its motto. Kami Memimpin. We Lead. May that spirit guide you in all your endeavors.