THE final session of the 63rd convocation has drawn to a close, yet the energy of these past eight days continues to resonate within Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra.
From Nov 25 to Dec 2, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) welcomed nearly 10,000 graduates, families, educators and distinguished guests to a celebration that affirmed the transformative essence of education.
Each graduate stepped forward to receive a scroll representing years of dedication, a journey of personal growth, and the threshold of new endeavours that will extend far beyond the campus.
Every time I enter the hall, I am drawn back to the origins of our institution.
USM was established in 1969 in a modest setting of a former teacher training college, where 57 pioneering science students believed in the promise of a new university.
Guided by the vision of our founding vice-chancellor Tan Sri Professor Hamzah Sendut, those early years laid the foundation for values that continue to define us: excellence, integrity, service and the belief that education uplifts society.
Our first convocation was held in 1972, beginning a tradition that is now strengthened under the leadership of our chancellor, Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail.
This year, 9,347 graduates received their scrolls — 865 were doctoral recipients, 3,501 earned master’s degrees, 4,934 received bachelor’s degrees and 47 completed diploma programmes.
MASTERS OF TECHNOLOGY
Industry engagement and the nurturing of professional talents were highlights of this convocation. The MSc in Nano-Optoelectronics mixed-mode programme at the Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology welcomed professionals from leading semiconductor and electronics companies. Graduates included three from Osram, two from Mini-Circuits and two from Infineon.
USM strengthened its position in advanced chip design through Collaborative Microelectronic Design Excellence Centre (CEDEC) USM, where Dr Norhamizah Idros completed her PhD in high-performance CMOS ADC/DAC design. Supported by Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science & Technology research and development, and in collaboration with AdvanceTC Group Sdn Bhd, her work received international recognition.
CEDEC’s access to TSMC 65nm, 28nm and 16nm Fin Field Effect Transistor process design kits (PDK), as well as Intel’s 18A PDK, places USM among the earliest universities globally outside the United States to work with these advanced technology nodes. This capability is anchored by the newly established Advanced Semiconductor Research Laboratory, officially launched on Nov 18. These accomplishments establish CEDEC as a national hub for next-generation chip design, AI-edge systems, and collaborative research with global foundries.
CELEBRATING ALL WALKS OF LIFE
This convocation celebrated inspiring narratives of courage, determination and inclusion. A graduate living with physical disabilities completed her degree with distinction, demonstrating that accessibility and support empower success. Professionals returned nearly 30 years after their initial studies to complete their postgraduate qualifications, embodying lifelong learning. International students, including marketing and tourism professional from Japan, Akiko Nagata, returned to USM@KL to complete her postgraduate education. Nagata is the first postgraduate student from Japan at USM@KL to continue her postgraduate education, describing Malaysia as a second home.
USM@KL is USM’s urban campus in the Klang Valley, established to broaden access to high-quality postgraduate education for working professionals, industry practitioners, and international learners. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, USM@KL provides a modern learning environment that supports flexible, industry-aligned programmes designed to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
MEDICAL MILESTONES
This year, USM@KL marked a historic milestone with the graduation of Dr Melody Chee Hui Ni, the first graduate of the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) joint-degree programme between USM and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. Her achievement is an important contribution to Malaysia’s clinical psychology workforce at a time when the nation faces increasing demand for mental health professionals. Dr Chee’s journey, which required balancing clinical duties, research responsibilities and academic commitments, reflects the high level of dedication and professionalism expected of USM’s postgraduate students.
The Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), also known as IPPT USM, continues to advance USM’s global standing in oncology through impactful research spanning cancer genomics, radiotherapy innovation, molecular oncology, pharmacology, biomarker discovery and cutting-edge biomedical technology.
Recognised by the Netherlands’ BrachyAcademy as Malaysia’s only HyBIRT Educational Centre of Excellence for five major cancers, AMDI further strengthens its reputation through international achievements by its clinicians, including top awards in Seoul, South Korea, and the highest-scoring abstract at ESTRO 2025 for pioneering HyBIRT applications in tongue cancer.
As a designated Southeast Asian Centre of Excellence for cervical cancer under the ACTIVE 2.0 consortium, and with USM Medical Centre Bertam hosting the region’s first IQM real-time radiotherapy precision and safety system, AMDI continues to drive advancements in regional cancer care.
At the convocation, 75 graduates received their scrolls, among them 25 PhDs and 34 master’s recipients. I wish to acknowledge the significant contributions of the School of Medical Sciences, USM. Through its postgraduate programmes in the Master of Medicine, Master of Surgery and Master of Pathology, the school continues to develop skilled specialists for the nation.
These programmes are rooted in rigorous clinical training and strengthened by active engagement with USM’s teaching hospitals. They cultivate clinicians who are capable, compassionate and prepared to meet Malaysia’s evolving healthcare needs. With strong foundations in research and innovation, graduates are equipped to assume critical roles in clinical service, public health, medical education and healthcare leadership.
THE POWER IN STUDENTS’ HANDS
During the convocation, ConvEx played a supportive role in energising students toward leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship. Led by students, it provided opportunities to showcase ideas, strengthen communication skills and build networks through innovation displays, forums and collaborative activities guided by industry mentors and alumni.
ConvEx also reflects USM’s commitment to shaping future-ready leaders through programmes that encouraged creativity, teamwork and community engagement.
With entrepreneurship booths, cultural activities and interactive exhibitions drawing families and visitors, ConvEx continues to nurture confidence, resilience and a sense of responsibility among students as they prepare to contribute meaningfully to society.
SAFEGUARDING THE WORLD’S FUTURE
As the convocation draws to a close, this moment carries even greater meaning. In 2025, USM has again distinguished itself on the global stage, earning recognition among top universities worldwide for its commitment to sustainable development, and rising to joint 14th place globally in the latest Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. The university ranked first worldwide in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 — No Poverty, SDG 16 — Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and jointly first for SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals. It continues to hold the distinction of being the highest-ranked Malaysian university in both Asia and the Asean region.
This achievement reflects more than statistical acclaim. It is a testament to USM’s identity. Through its teaching, research, outreach and community engagement, USM has woven sustainability into the very fabric of campus life and national service.
NOT THE END, BUT A BEGINNING
As the convocation hall grows quiet, I am reminded of the heritage that USM carries forward. From our modest origins in 1969, we have grown into a university recognised globally for excellence, leadership and impact.
Our graduates embody curiosity, resilience, empathy and integrity, the values that will guide them as they shape a better Malaysia and a better world.
Graduates of the Class of 2025, take these words to heart:
WALK forward with courage.
SERVE with integrity.
LEAD with compassion.
INNOVATE with purpose.
You are the continuation of our story and the architects of tomorrow’s possibilities. Your journey will illuminate pathways for others, advance understanding and contribute meaningfully to a Malaysia and a world that thrives on wisdom, creativity and care.
The writer is Universiti Sains Malaysia vice-chancellor
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
