Established as the second University in the country in 1969, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was first known as Universiti Pulau Pinang. In 1971, USM moved from its temporary premises at the Malayan Teachers' Training College, Bukit Gelugor, to the present 416.6-hectare site at Minden, approximately 9.7 km Georgetown.
USM offers courses ranging from Natural Sciences, Applied Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences to Building Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education. These are available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels to approximately 30,000 students at its 17 Academic Schools on the main campus in the island of Penang 6 Schools at the Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal (approximately 50km from the main campus) and three at the Health Campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan (approximately 300km from the main campus).
USM also has 17 dedicated research centers for a wide range of specializations, including archaeology, medicine and dentistry, molecular medicine, science and technology, Islamic development and management studies, and policy research and international studies. It also provides consultancy, testing, and advisory services to the industry under the ambit of USAIN Holdings Sdn Bhd, the University's commercial arm.
Since the beginning, USM has adopted the School system rather than the traditional Faculty system to ensure that its students are multi-disciplined from their exposure to other areas of study by other Schools. It also encourages students to be active in extra-curricular activities given the myriad of clubs and societies available.
As a Research-Intensive University recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) in 2007, USM offers educational and research opportunities to students and staff. In 2008, USM also became the first University in the country to be selected by the Malaysian government to participate in the Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX). This fast-track program helps tertiary institutions achieve world-class status.
USM provides various services for its students, such as hostel accommodation, counseling/motivational guidance, sport and recreational amenities like soccer fields, an 8-lane synthetic running track, an Astroturf hockey stadium, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Cultural events/activities are organized at the Cultural Hall to foster closer ties among students. Some various clubs and societies cater to a wide array of interests. These include the Political Science Society, Computer Science Club, Indian Cultural Club, Navigator Society, Astronomy Club, Debating & Public Speaking Club, and Mass Communication Club, to name a few. The Counseling Unit at USM offers support services to help develop students' potential and capabilities.
Besides contributing to the national research effort and advancement of knowledge in general, the University has also taken steps to identify and periodically assess areas of research deserving of exceptional support to compete more effectively for external funds. In USM's bid to provide better incentives for developing new products and processes by its staff, it has recently drawn up specific rules governing the patenting and commercialization of research results.
Vision:
"Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow"
Mission:
USM is a pioneering, transdisciplinary research-intensive university that empowers future talents and enables the bottom billions to transform their socio-economic well-being.
Value:
Quality, Equality, Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, Appropriateness
Thrust:
Knowledge, The Future, Uniqueness, Sustainability, Humanity, Universality, Change, Sacrifice, Wellness
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