USM Edu Community

AS an undergraduate of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), I am proud that it has been chosen as the country’s first Apex university. I believe it is the best choice considering its record in research publications and citations. 

Many might not be aware that USM has two other campuses, apart from the main one in Penang. 

The other two are the Engineering Campus in Penang, and the Health Campus in Kelantan. Having been to the main campus several times, I have noticed that there is a big contrast between the Health Campus and the other two campuses in Penang. The Health Campus, which is for medical, dental and health sciences, lacks many facilities found in the main campus. 

Each year, there is an increase in the student intake despite the fact that the Health Campus is crowded. In the hostels, it used to be two students to a room. 

Then, it was three students to a room and, finally, students were housed off campus.

There is apparently no plan to build a new hostel even though USM knows that student numbers keep increasing and there will not be enough rooms to accommodate them. 

 

 

In the end, senior students have been placed in a so-called new hostel, which is really a shoplot converted into an open-space dormitory.

With the Apex status, USM will have additional funds and more autonomy in matters such as student intake. 

I hope the above-mentioned problem will be resolved as it not only burdens the students but also tarnishes USM’s image. 

To become a world-class university, USM not only has to excel in research and academia but must also take care of the welfare of its students. 

Let’s hope that USM will become a world- class university in all aspects of university life. 

W.Y.S. , Kota Baru

8 Sep 2008 NST

Source: NST – September 8, 2008