Here at D34 USM Press stories are printed. It is part of Universiti Sains Malaysia USM. USM’s story began as the University of Penang in 1969. This was before the University Act in 1971. The university started with 57 science students. Now USM serves about 20000 students.
USM was born from a resolution by the Penang State Legislative Council in 1962. They wanted a university college. The foundation stone was laid in Sungai Ara by the Prime Minister in 1967. Sungai Ara wasn’t ready fast enough. So, the first students studied at the Malayan Teachers’ Training College. In 1971, the campus moved to its present site in Minden. It is a beautiful location with 500 acres of green hills and sea views.
USM uses a school system instead of the traditional faculty system. This unique approach allows students to focus. They can also explore other subjects. This interdisciplinary method produces multi-skilled graduates. USM was the first in the country to adopt this system.
USM’s main campus is on Penang Island. It spans 591.72 acres. There are two branch campuses. One is in Kubang Kerian Kelantan. This is the Health Campus. The other is in Nibong Tebal Penang. This is the Engineering Campus.
From its start, USM has been innovative. It moved away from the traditional faculty system. Instead, it grouped related subjects into schools. This allows students to specialize. USM was mandated to provide higher education. This includes Natural Sciences, Applied Sciences and Medical Sciences. It also covers Social Sciences and Humanities. The goal is to advance knowledge and research.
USM is a Research Intensive University. It offers research opportunities to students and staff. Research centers and units are key to academic excellence. The university knows research and teaching must meet society’s needs. These centers provide integration and networking.
USM also provides consultancy and advisory services to industry. This is managed by USAINS Holdings Sdn Bhd. It is the University’s commercial arm.
USM has three campuses. The main campus on Penang Island hosts schools like Arts and Biological Sciences. The Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal has Aerospace and Chemical Engineering. The Health Campus in Kelantan includes Dental and Medical Sciences.
USM boasts various research centers. These include the Centre for Archaeological Research Malaysia. There is also the Centre for Drug Research.
Service Centers include the USM Press. It is a place where knowledge meets the printed word.
USM provides many facilities. There are warm cafeterias and well-designed pavilions. An impressive museum and art gallery are present. Lecture halls facilitate learning. Banks, a bookshop and a post office cater to student needs. The library holds over one million items. Student residences accommodate those on campus. The Sports Centre has indoor and outdoor facilities.
USM offers various services for students. These include hostel accommodation and counseling. There are sports amenities and cultural events. Clubs and societies cater to a wide array of interests.
The Counseling Unit helps students develop their potential. USM identifies research areas deserving of special support. It has rules for patenting and commercializing research results. USM continues to print new stories.