Search Results

Event Written on 6th April 2024 USM BRIDGE AND CHESS CLUB PRESENT EXCITING YOUTH EVENT FOR BOARD GAME ENTHUSIASTS The picture shows the participants who are just starting to play board games. Picture by Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani MAIN CAMPUS, 6th April 2024- The USM Bridge and Chess Club held an event known as Game Fiesta at the RST Scholarship Main Hall, USM on April 6 from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. Project Director, Yap Jin Cong said he is excited to announce his annual junior event, Game Fiesta, to celebrate the world of board games as this special event is designed for game enthusiasts of all ages and provides a variety of games from party games to strategic board games such as Catan and Cluedo. "Game Fiesta is more than just an event, it's a celebration of the joy and excitement that board games bring to people's lives”, he said. “Our goal is to introduce more people to the wonderful world of board games and provide an opportunity for everyone to have fun while playing”, he added. Yap also said that the event will include a variety of games, including Speed Cup, Jungle Speed, Penguin, Exploding Kittens, The Mind, Dixit, Catan, Malaysian Dream, Codename, and Cluedo. By that, attendees can expect a free-to-play event, which will allow them to play their favourite games for free. "This event is all about bringing people together and fostering a sense of community through games, because we want to create an environment where people can relax, play, and make new friends”, Yap added. This picture shows the other participants learning a new board game. Picture by Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani Athira Nasir, an Education 1 student who participated in the Game Fiesta event, expressed her enjoyment of the experience, noting that she was able to play some of her favourite games while also discovering new games that she had never tried before. "I've played some of my favourite games and also discovered new ones that I'd never tried before," Athira said. She also emphasized the event's community aspect, stating that it allows people to meet new people and enjoy the fun of playing games together. "It was great to meet new people and share in the excitement of playing these games together," she said. Game Fiesta is expected to attract both experienced gamers and newcomers looking to try out different types of board games. The USM Bridge and Chess Club is excited to share this experience with everyone, and also hope that attendees will leave with a renewed appreciation for the world of games. As an annual event, it will provide a regular venue for gamers to get together and celebrate their love. ​ Text: Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani/ Photo: Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani Created on 6th April 2024

Issue Written on 20th May 2024 ONLINE SCAM AMONG USM STUDENTS Compilations of scamming activities in PERSIS USM group chat. Source: WhatsApp Media MAIN CAMPUS, 20 May - Online scams have been rapidly increasing among Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students, particularly within Telegram and WhatsApp group chats. These platforms, widely used for communication and information sharing among students, have become prime targets for cybercriminals. However, some individuals took this opportunity to scam these students with tactics of their own. Alka Kaur Sandhu, Student Representative Council, Social Sciences 3, expressed her concerns regarding the rising cases of online scams amongst USM students. Alka noted that she never experienced it herself, but is still very concerned about this matter as it affects the welfare of USM students because it is her responsibility as an SRC to take care of the students' well-being and safety. “I may not have experienced online scams in USM by myself yet, however, it is still an issue that is still relevant and is affecting all students, especially the first year students. To say the least, I am concerned about this issue and am aware of it” she expressed. Afiqah Bahirah Ahmad Kamal Ariffin, MPDAD, Languages, Literacies, and Translation 3, implied that, as part of the MPD, it is her responsibility to ensure that students residing in the hostel are not victims of online scams because these fraudulent activities are the most prevalent in official hostel group chats. “Students residing in Aman Damai hostel needs to be aware of these online scams activities to safeguard themselves by asking and reporting to any MPD in charge about any unusual activity happening inside the group chat. Students also are strongly encouraged to be always aware of how these online scams’ tactics take form.” she noted. Ronace Philip, member of PERSIS, Education 4, claimed that online scam activities at USM are not a recent phenomenon, claiming that they have been ongoing for quite a while, with many of them posing significant risks. “To me personally, online scamming in USM has always been happening especially in big groups in Telegram and WhatsApp. While some of them does not pose any threat towards the safety of the students, there is still quite a few number of them that are actually risky and could result in a very dangerous data leak” he said. Text: Muhammad Nizammudin/ Photo: WhatsApp Media Created on 20th May 2024

Issue Written on 22th May 2024 CELEBRATION OF TEST AND CULTURE The whole crew of Flavours’ Rx: Foodfest Photo Sharvena Kanapathy MAIN CAMPUS, 22 May 2024- The Baktisiswa Pokok Sena Programme under Persatuan Sains Malaysia Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has conducted Flavours’ Rx: Foodfest on 21 May 2024 and 22 May 2024 from 5 P.M till 11 P.M at Padang Kawad USM. ​ This is not something new for USM clubs to organize a food festival every month, it has become a culture and the students are loving it. More than 60 vendors of various food, drinks and desserts were located in Padang Kawad, USM. To make the festival livelier, it was accompanied with music and live performances by Malam Galau, Adikarma, Flashmob, Jazz Band, Kungfu Protégé and Fireshow. ​ According to the Project Director, Shri Shrutika Elangovan, the main objective of this food festival is mainly to collect funds for the Baktisiswa PSF 23/24 programme this coming August. Baktisiswa PSF 23/24 is a 3 days gotong royong event to help the villagers and conduct some interesting activities there. ​ “The most effective to collect funds is by conducting a food festival because USM students could never get enough of food. We have received great crowd on the first day, not only USM students but outsiders too filled Padang Kawad”, says Shri Shrutika. ​ ​ USM students enjoy surfing through the food stalls Photo Sharvena Kanapathy Shri Shrutika mentioned that this is not only a food festival but a celebration of taste and culture. “We invited many clubs to do various performances, more than entertainment, it was to expose culture for the people who came for the festival. Through the clubs that we invited had the opportunity to promote their upcoming event. On the other side, we also wanted to ensure that there was enough crowd so that the vendors could obtain profit”, added Shri Shrutika. ​ According to Shri Shrutika, almost RM 1000.00 was spent for this festival which they paid for the perfomances, fireshow and public address systems. The most exciting part during the festival that garnered a huge crowd was for the fireshow that started at 8 P.M on 22 May 2024. ​ One of the audiences, Darineshan Shangmugasuntharam, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2, the festival always had something happening after another, it was never bland for a moment. Some of vendors that was invited was new as there were new type of food to try. ​ “The fire show was a big hit, the performers were so interactive, they even spared 1 hour to take pictures with audience”, said Darineshan. Darineshan mentioned that all of her friends had a great time and it was definitely a memorable event of the year. The fireshow at Flavours’ Rx: Foodfest Photo Sharvena Kanapathy Text: Sharvena Kanapathy/ Photo: Sharvena Kanapathy Created on: 22th May 2024

Issue Written on 18th May 2024 PROTECT OUR MOTHER EARTH Mountain of waste collected by staff and students. (Picture by Chen Ke En) Main Campus, 18th May - The Environmental Protection and Education (EPE) Hub of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) organized a beach cleaning activity at Pantai Teluk Bayu, Penang. This activity designed to raise awareness among USM staff and students about their eco-responsibility, especially regarding recyclable waste. It involved 30 USM students and staff, alongside nine members from the Penang Scout Association to clean up the beach. In the beach cleaning activity, EPE Hub prepared garbage pickers, leaf brooms, gloves, wicker baskets, and a wheelbarrow for the participants to clean up a lot of waste and plastic waste. They not only cleaned up the rubbish on the beach, but also checked the surrounding environment to ensure the cleanliness of the whole area. The cleaning activity not only raised the participants' awareness of environmental protection, but also showed their firm determination to protect the environment. ​ In addition, a representative of SS Mutiara Metal, Mr Ravi was invited to the activity and Mr Ravi introduced the importance of recycling and how to properly dispose of waste to the USM staff and students. Mr Ravi also shared environmental knowledge and practical environmental tips to increase students' awareness and participation in environmental protection. ​ The core activities included cleaning coastal areas and guidance on sorting recyclable and non-recyclable waste for the participants. According to Event Coordinator, Khoo Boon Yin said USM staff and students resulted in the collection of 26.4 kg of recyclable waste and 63.9 kg of waste non-recyclable waste. While expressing his satisfaction, he also stressed the importance of the achievements of the activity to the cause of environmental protection, as well as the hard work and spirit of solidarity and cooperation shown by the participants. ​ "We hope that through such activities, more people's attention and action on environmental protection will be aroused. Everyone can contribute to environmental protection, responsibility to maintain beach cleanliness by collecting recyclable items for Green Charity. We believe, through collective efforts we can create a cleaner and better world,” said Khoo. ​ A Year 2 student, Tan Yin Ann, School of Management, said participating in this beach cleaning activity taught her a lot about environmental protection, especially how to properly separate waste. She realized the importance of environmental protection, everyone should do their part to protect the earth. Tan said she will continue to participate in similar activities to contribute to environmental protection. ​ This beach cleaning activity not only injected new vitality into the cause of environmental protection, but also conveyed a positive environmental attitude to the community. In the future, Mr Khoo said will continue to organize similar activities to contribute to the cause of environmental protection and call on more people to join in environmental protection actions. Mr Ravi was teaching students to categorize waste. (Picture by Chen Ke En) Text: Chen Ke En/ Photo: Chen Ke En Created on 18th May 2024

Issue Written on 10th April 2024 GAPP PRACTICES THE BEAUTY OF GIVING DURING RAMADAN Members of Gabungan Anak Pulau Pinang (GAPP) handing out meals to the public. (Picture by Sumayya Fauzi) MAIN CAMPUS, 10TH APRIL - Members of Gabung Anak Pulau Pinang (GAPP) of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) have gathered together during Ramadan to distribute meals to the homeless and public surrounding Georgetown, Penang. According to the project director of the program, Muhammad Nazifie Khan Mohd Najib Khan, the program which took place on March 30th was hosted to nurture feelings of concern and sympathy among students of USM towards the underprivileged while encouraging them to ponder on ways they could assist the people around them. “The primary objective of this initiative is to share the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah SWT with the less unfortunate individuals, such as the homeless. We cannot overlook those in need as we are aware of ways to alleviate some of their hardships, especially during Ramadan,” said Muhammad Nazifie. Muhammad Nazifie also stated that this is the first time GAPP conducted a program of distributing food to the homeless. “Though this is our first time, GAPP has always organized similar initiatives to this in our previous programs such as volunteering and distributing “bubur lambuk” to people breaking their fast and they have also been done during the month of Ramadan in the previous years,” added Muhammad Nazifie. Muhammad Nazifie stated that the team had chosen Komtar and Padang Kota as the two main spots to distribute the meals to the homeless and the public. “Many homeless people are sleeping and seeking shelter on sidewalks surrounding Georgetown. Additionally, they often gather in groups, making it easier for us to distribute meals to them in Komtar. We typically spot them in the alleys below Komtar, Prangin Mall, 1st Avenue and around the bus station,” said Muhammad Nazifie. ​ Meals prepared and stacked by the members of Gabungan Anak Pulau Pinang (GAPP). (Picture by Sumayya Fauzi) The head EXCO of GAPP’s community and volunteer department, Muhammad Atif Suhaimi, stated that they had patrolled the area before the program was conducted. “The spots we have chosen are strategic. It is also safe since there are passersby and the area is not too dark for the members to do their job,” said Muhammad Atif. Muhammad Nazifie stated that though the homeless and public are their prime target, students of USM are also their target audience throughout their program as they want to ensure that students are aware of the importance of helping those in need and aim to foster feelings of love, concern, sympathy and self-identity among them. “Simultaneously, as residents of Malaysia, we want to demonstrate to citizens how crucial it is to support one another regardless of our differences in status and race,” added Muhammad Nazifie. However, Muhammad Atif stated that they had to make amendments to the program’s tentative due to the sudden rainfall and other unexpected challenges. “Due to the sudden rainfall, the changes we made to the tentative was a challenge as the program was supposed to commence at 1 am and was changed to 2 am after the rain had stopped. Aside from the weather, some homeless people appeared shocked and scared by our presence when we were distributing food. There were incidents where they almost hit us too. Thus, we took the initiative to place their meals beside them quietly when they were sleeping without bothering them,” said Muhammad Atif. Muhammad Nazifie stated that they would even consider organizing a program involving the homeless at Pusat Transit Gelandangan as they aspire to distribute more meals and extend their assistance to others in need as a way to improve future programs such as this. ​ Text: Sumayya Fauzi/Photo: Sumayya Fauzi Created on 10th April

Special Report Written on 26 May 2024 Behind The Scenes: The One and Only Nutmeg Factory In Pulau Pinang Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory, located in Balik Pulau, Penang has become a popular tourist attraction in the area and also in the application Youtube. As a tourist attraction, Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory provides a short but interesting detour or stop for visitors exploring the Southwest Penang Island Region. ​ Weng Kit, a local tourist from Ipoh visited the nutmeg factory because their products are very famous. Weng Kit's family is aware of nutmeg and has a demand for it. Weng mentioned that he wants to promote the benefits of nutmeg to everyone because the function of nutmeg oil is good for the body and can reduce pain. ​ The factory’s popularity as a tourist attraction highlights the growing interest in experiencing authentic local industries and supporting sustainable tourism practices in the region. This factory has marked its fifth generation as of today, a long historical journey till they had the opportunity to converse with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad and Tun Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi in the past. Nutmeg Tree Photo Nuril Izni Binti Zakaria Nutmeg follows in two different types which are young and mature. Young nutmeg is mainly used to prepare beverages and oil, taking advantage of its delicate, fresh taste. Young nutmeg is a great place to get essential oils, which are loved for their flavour and potential health benefits. Mostly, these oils are used for a variety of culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes. On the other hand, mature nutmeg is often used as a spice in both savoury and sweet recipes due to its fully developed and strong flavour character. ​ Mature nutmeg's warm, rich flavour compliments baked foods, soups, and sauces. Nutmeg seeds are different from many other plant seeds in that they require a particular planting procedure. Nutmeg farmers can get high-quality fruits that satisfy both commercial and gourmet standards by following these exacting production procedures. Nutmeg Balm is one of the products that is produced in this factory. Photo Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani The History Of The Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory Chang Kun Min reminisces about the past of his factory. Photo Nuril Izni Zakaria The history of the Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory dates back to 1953 when Chang’s grandfather who had endured a tough life initially migrated all the way from Huizhou, Guangdong, China to Southeast Asia which is Penang, Malaysia with the instant decision to buy land at Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Kampung Sungai Pinang, 11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang. ​ Chang’s grandfather eventually saved enough money to buy five plots of land to secure a future for his five children. However, the impulsive move did not take him long to start a legacy that would be known as a tourist attraction today in Penang. ​ “After my grandfather bought the land, he was absolutely clueless, until he discovered nutmeg trees in that particular area. That is when everything changed,” said Chang. ​ Chang’s father began selling nutmeg preserves that are locally known as salty-sweet as he bought nutmeg from across Balik Pulau and sold it to preserve factories. ​ “After my grandfather and his men managed to master the various processes involving nutmeg, the production of candied nutmeg and later, canned salted citrus came in during my father’s era,” added Chang. ​ Chang stated that efforts to develop and package nutmeg into more processed products were done in a collaboration between the factory and the wholesaler, which eventually expanded to wholesale to various supermarkets in 1965. ​ “For over 20 years, this partnership was stable until the 1986 "Cooperative Crisis" and a global economic downturn led the department store chain to liquidate, severely impacting Zheng’s nutmeg business. Other challenges included the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The successful collaboration enabled nutmeg to be distributed throughout Malaysia,” said Chang. ​ Chang stated that it is currently the third generation that is inheriting the business. He mentioned that there was no one available to help with the business and his daughter, Emily Chang, voluntarily assisted her father, which she had been doing for 10 years at the factory. “I am 82 now and I have been in the industry for 53 years since I was 12 in 1953. Carrying on this family business is not just about preserving tradition, but also about sharing our unique family flavours with more people. The family business is our foundation, and I will do my utmost to pass on this solid foundation,” said Chang. ​ The Process Of Producing The products in Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory The nutmeg process begins with cultivation; nutmeg trees, particularly female ones, bear fruit twice a year, typically around March and September. Harvesting involves collecting mature nutmegs, which are initially white and later turn brown as they mature. ​ Post-harvest, the nutmegs undergo a sun-drying process. Mace, the red arils surrounding the nutmeg seed, is also sun-dried. Mature nutmegs are then cracked open to extract the seeds, which are further dried until they rattle inside their shells, indicating readiness for processing. The sun-drying process of nutmeg. Photo Nuril Izni Zakaria At the Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory, the labour force engaged in nutmeg processing predominantly consists of individuals of Malay descent. This through employee selection is actually in alignment with strategic goals, designed to cater to the preferences of the local Malay population while providing them with a sense of comfort and familiarity when they consume nutmeg products from the business in question. ​ This strategy demonstrates the factory's awareness of the social and cultural nuances of the demographic it is targeting, which is primarily Malay Muslims. The company fosters familiarity and trust with its Malay consumers by employing the Malays for positions involving nutmeg processing. ​ In addition, Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory's hiring strategy functions as a strategic differentiation in an extremely competitive sector. Through employee integration with the cultural preferences of its target market, the factory sets itself apart from its competitors and increases its appeal to Malay consumers. Along with fostering customer loyalty, this market difference positions the business as a socially conscious and culturally aware company. ​ The Chang family has been involved in the Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory's remarkable development from a small-scale agricultural business to a renowned manufacturer of goods produced from nutmeg in the Penang area. Notably, Chang Kun Mim led a significant diversification of the initiative, adding innovative products such pickled nutmeg, nutmeg syrup, and nutmeg balm to the product line. The enterprise's survival has been strengthened by this strategic expansion, which has served as a safeguard against the changes in raw nutmeg pricing ​ ​ Chang introduced the function of different parts in nutmegs. Photo Nuril Izni Zakaria

Issue Written on 14th May 2024 INDUSTRIAL VISIT TO INDAH WATER KONSORTIUM BY SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY Group photo of the participants with Miss Fatin Adawiyah. Source: Muhammad Nizamuddin MAIN CAMPUS, 14 May - School of Industrial Technology recently organized an industrial visit program to Indah Water Konsortium in Batu Feringghi, Penang to which it was open to all USM students regardless of their majors. This aim to provide the students, particularly from the School of Industrial Technology with firsthand exposure to real-world operations and to enhance the understanding of industry-specific practices and professionalism. Miss Fatin Adawiyah, the Treatment Executive of the Indah Water Konsortium, thoroughly briefed this industrial visit and guided the participants. She stated that one of the first processes in purifying the sewage water was they had to remove any hard substances from the sewage water before continuing to the next process. “It is a tedious process as it involves the publics health and we need to make sure that it meets the standards that the government has set” she added. How Yi, Project Director, Industrial Technology 2, implied that to conduct this industrial visit, few precautions needs to be taken into consideration. These are very important steps as it will ensure the safety of the participants. “I believe it’s crucial to conduct a pre-visit safety briefings. This is to ensure the adherence to safety protocols and also to assign responsible staff for oversight purposes. We also have to plan an interactive and engaging activities for the visit” she expressed. William Andrew, Languages, Literacies, and Translation 3, said that this was a new experience for him, coming from a participant from a different school and field of expertise. He expressed his eagerness to learn something out of his scope of knowledge. “It was a fantastic experience overall. Despite being a language major student, this visit was incredibly insightful. It provided me with valuable exposure to an industry and field of study outside of my primary focus. Witnessing the operations and technologies at Indah Water Konsortium expanded my horizons and deepened my appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues”. said William. Text: Mohammad Nizamuddin/Photo: Mohammad Nizamuddin Created on: 14th May 2024

Take a Closer Look Berita Kampus was founded with the goal of providing students with a platform to share their voices and engage in meaningful dialogue. We bring you the exclusive stories and insights from the heart of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). ​ Berita Kampus is also dedicated at promoting and recognizing Sustainable Development and Goals (SDGs) among the community within and outside the campus through activities and issues A look Inside Our Campus

Issue Written on 5th April 2024 AWARENESS OF SDGS EMPHAZISED IN A COLLABORATION BETWEEN CGSS AND TZU-CHI MERITS SOCIETY MALAYSIA This picture shows the other participants learning a new board game. (Picture by Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani) MAIN CAMPUS, 1ST APRIL - Crucial awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was represented in the PaGamO Booth Exhibition held by students from the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) of University Sains Malaysia (USM) in collaboration with members of Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia on 31st March, from 9 am to 12 pm at Dewan Utama Pelajar (DUP). According to the emcee of the event, Yee Jin Chai from the Centre for Global Sustainable Studies (CGSS), the PaGamO Booth Exhibition was held with the sole purpose of sharing and spreading knowledge on the Sustainable Development Goals concerning the environment, economy, health and our daily practices. “The purpose of this event was to share knowledge while spreading awareness on the severity of the issues concerning the SDGs at the local and national level such as natural disasters, water and food crisis, climate change and especially our perceptions on recycling,” said Yee Jin Chai. Yee Jin Chai also stated that the event is an opportunity to clear up the various misunderstandings among youngsters when it comes to protecting the environment. “For instance, if we take a look at the 5R concept, the Rs are arranged in an order that begins with refuse, followed by reduce, reuse, repurpose and lastly, recycle. However, the common practice is that we would recycle our items, which is the very last step. Instead, the major step to minimizing waste is reducing non-recyclable materials, which is quite difficult,” said Yee Jin Chai. He stated that the whole point of the event was to urge an instant shift in how one practices the 5R concept, and comprehends the SDGs for the betterment of the nation, which is the leading factor for their collaboration with Tzu-Chi Merit Society Malaysia. “We collaborated with the Tzu-Chi Merit Society Malaysia, which is a Taiwanese international humanitarian and non-profit organization for the booth exhibition as we have many undergraduates under their organization with great potential to highlight the significance of SDGs to others through their creativity,” said Yee Jin Chai. “Therefore, the members of Tzu Chi and other students have incorporated various beneficial activities and games into these booth exhibitions to spark a sense of awareness and empathy towards our earth as we look into sustainability issues,” said Yee Jin Chai. Students participating in fun games and activities at the PaGamO Booth Exhibition at Dewan Utama Pelajar (DUP). (Picture by Sumayya Fauzi) Lee Ying Jing, a year 2 from Tungku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) stated that she and her team wanted to emphasize the importance of a plant-based diet and how it connects to the SDGs. “In our booth, we highlighted the significance of a plant-based diet and its benefits by demonstrating to our audience how it coincides with the environment, and health, which simultaneously saves lives,” said Lee Ying Jing. Aside from that, Noor Fatin Hana Azmi, Biology 3, and a member of the USM’s Environmental Protection and Education Hub (EPEHub) mentioned that donations and free giveaways were also made throughout the event. “For our booth, we decided to do a free giveaway of items donated by the students such as clothes, books, shoes and plushies as our initiative to foster the act of giving to those in need,” said Fatin. “At the same time, it is Ramadan. I believe this would instil a sense of gratitude and compassion while strengthening friendships. It is also the backbone to combating the first and major sustainable development goal, which is poverty. From what I observe today, it is a lively event since many love to indulge in the clothes and shoes we displayed at our booth,” said Fatin. ​ Text: Sumayya Fauzi/Photo by Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani & Sumayya Fauzi Created on 1 April 2024 ​

Issue Written on 5th April 2024 ELECTRIC SCOOTERS ARE BENEFICIAL TO STUDENTS E-scooters are placed in public areas around the campus for convenient access. (Picture by Chen Ke En) Main Campus, 5th April- Amidst the recent government policy prohibiting electric scooters on roads, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has shown understanding towards the challenges students face while commuting and has decided to permit students to use electric scooters within the campus premises. This decision aims to provide students with a more convenient mode of transportation while fostering an active and convenient campus environment. Based on the latest Penang Island City Council guidelines on micro-mobility vehicles, many governments in various regions have initiated restrictions on using electric scooters on roads, sparking some controversies. However, the action taken by USM offers students a reassuring environment. "While understanding the government's ban on electric scooters due to public safety concerns, we also acknowledge the difficulties and time constraints students face while walking on campus. Following internal discussions, we have determined that if students use electric scooters within the campus premises, we will not be prohibited from doing so. Therefore, to meet students' transportation needs and ensure their safety and convenience, USM has decided to continue allowing electric scooters to operate within the campus boundaries," said the Assistant Safety Officer, Mr Firdaus Bin Haji Husin. Mr Firdaus is being interviewed. ( Picture by Chen Ke En) The students have warmly welcomed and supported this decision. Many students have expressed that electric scooters provide a fast and timesaving means of transportation, especially on the USM campus, making their daily lives more convenient. A year 2 student, Lai Sze Yu stated that walking around campus is a burden, especially when she cannot catch the school bus. Now, with electric scooters, she can get to the classroom more quickly, especially when she needs to reach distant buildings within a short timeframe. Additionally, Lai mentioned that electric scooters are a great mode of transportation in this scorching weather, allowing her to return to the dormitory more quickly." In addition to being convenient and efficient, using electric scooters also helps reduce traffic congestion on campus and mitigates the environmental impact of car emissions. Therefore, the USM initiative makes students' lives more convenient and reflects the institution's commitment to environmental protection and student well-being. ​ Text: Chen Ke En / Photo : Chen Ke En Created on 5th April 2024

Sport Written on 28th May 2024 PASUKAN HOKI USM MULA ASAH RENTAK PERMAINAN Kampus Induk, 28 Mei 2024 - Pasukan hoki USM mula melakukan pemanasan dan sesi latihan untuk beraksi di Liga Sukan IPT (SUKIPT) yang bakal berlangsung di Stadium Hoki USM bermula dari 28 sehingga 30 Jun 2024 ini. ​ Pertandingan ini membabitkan kerjasama antara Kelab Hoki USM dan Ikatan Mahasiswa Johor USM (IKMAR) dan juga melibatkan 12 pasukan hoki dari universiti dari seluruh Malaysia serta satu lagi pasukan hoki dari negara jiran, Singapura, iaitu Singapore Polythecnic Kapten pasukan hoki USM, Mohamad Arif Esa, berkata bahawa corak permainan pasukan itu memerlukan penambahbaikan lagi untuk menghadapi SUKIPT yang akan diadakan pada bulan hadapan. “Kami menginginkan pasukan yang bukan sahaja boleh memenangkan sesebuah perlawanan, tetapi boleh pergi jauh dan saya amat yakin apabila kami lebih bersedia, pasukan ini mampu melakukan yang jauh lebih baik daripada yang sebelum ini seperti kekalahan kami di pusingan suku akhir pada tahun yang lalu,” kata kapten pasukan hoki itu. “Pertandingan yang ini bukan sahaja menyerlahkan bakat para pemain, tetapi ia juga dapat memberikan pendedahan dan pengalaman yang lebih luas kepada pemain yang baru Sahaja menyertai pasukan hoki USM pada tahun ini,” katanya lagi. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Pemain hoki USM, Mohamad Farhan menyatakan bahawa pasukan hoki USM itu semakin ‘dahagakan’ pingat emas seterusnya memberikan yang terbaik buat pasukan mereka dalam setiap perlawanan Liga Sukan IPT yang akan diadakan di Stadium Hoki USM nanti. “Sebagai pemain lama yang berada dalam pasukan ini, dan bakal menamatkan pengajian, saya mempunyai Hasrat yang sangat tinggi untuk melakar nama baik di USM dengan memenangkan liga ini”, kata beliau. ​ “Kekalahan yang telah terjadi sebelum ini bukanlah satu penamat untuk saya berhenti daripada berusaha memenangi kejohanan atau liga yang akan datang, tetapi ia berperanan sebagai pembakar semangat untuk saya lebih cekal dalam merangkul pingat emas”, tambahnya lagi. ​ “Hoki telah meningkat di dalam negara kita lebih-lebih lagi apabila pasukan hoki tanah air kita telah berjaya mendapatkan gelaran naib juara atau berada di tempat yang kedua dalam pertandingan piala dunia hoki pada Januari yang lepas. Jadi ianya sedikit sebanyak telah menyuntik semangat kami semua untuk terus mengangkat sukan hoki ini untuk didedahkan kepada siswa-siswi di USM,” katanya lagi. ​ Arif dan Farhan menggesa siswa-siswi di USM untuk memberikan sokongan yang mantap kepada sukan hoki dengan terus menyokong usaha mereka dalam memartabatkan sukan ini. Liga Sukan (SUKIPT) bakal diadakan diadakan pada 28 sehingga 30 Jun 2024 ini di Stadium Hoki USM. SUMBER Muhammad Farhan Text: Ahmad Imran Mohammad Roslani/Photo: Muhammad Farhan

Sport Written on 6th April 2024 CHESS TOURNAMENT TRIUMPH LEAD BY USM STUDENTS The board game competitors looked like they were concentrating on their match. (Picture by Che Jia Yi) Main Campus, 6th April- USM Bridge and Chess Club had organized a competition titled "Checkmate: Bet or Strategy." This type of event is about Chess and XiangQi tournament. The event took place at Dewan Utama Desasiswa (DUD) M08, commencing at 9:00 a.m. and concluding at 12:30 p.m ​ The ‘Checkmate: Bet or Strategy?’ is organized by the USM Bridge and Chess Club, established in 1969 which aimed at spreading joy to everyone through chess, card games, board games, and other programs. The club's mission is to "Spread joy and happiness to the public," and its vision is to "Become a leading chess organization in the community." The club also aims to develop individuals academically and non-academically. Aligning with the goals, the club organized the "Checkmate: Bet or Strategy?" competition, giving opportunities to those who are interested in Chess or XiangQi to participate and at the same time promoting both enjoyment and critical thinking among participants. ​ It's possible that a wide variety of participants, from expert chess players to individuals who are curious about the intricacies of strategic thinking, were drawn to the competition "Checkmate: Bet or Strategy". The word "a unique combination of elements" comes from the title itself, which suggests that the game will have both the strategic depth of chess and the option to include betting or risk-taking. This tournament aims to cultivate potential and interest among USM students and in chess competition. Participants wish to enhance their chess skills by finding worthy opponents and making friends with them Participants are engrossed in the Xiangqi competition by applying tactical insight. ( Picture by Che Jia Yi) Project Director, Liew Zhe Xian Computer Science 1 said the chess competition offers a platform for participants to demonstrate their strategic prowess while honing their ability to excel under duress. It serves as an avenue for individuals to assess and exhibit their competencies, fostering an environment conducive to self-improvement and the cultivation of resilience. Additionally, the event aims to instill values of sportsmanship, encouraging participants to gracefully acknowledge their shortcomings and embrace the spirit of fair play. ​ “The chess competition serves as a valuable learning opportunity for members of the USM Bridge and Chess Club to acquire hands-on experience in both tournament administration and interpersonal communication. By actively participating in the organization and coordination of the event, club members develop crucial competencies in logistical planning and collaborative teamwork”, said Liew. ​ Vice Project Director, Chess and XiangQi department member, Yeong Qiao Tong, Social Science 2 said there were special rules and regulations unique to this competition that participants need to aware of. The participants must follow the rules and regulations from FIDE handbook. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) publishes the FIDE Handbook, which is a comprehensive manual encompassing all chess-related topics. It includes an extensive variety of laws, rules, and guidelines controlling multiple aspects of competitive chess, including player eligibility, tournament organisation, rating systems, and ethical requirements. ​ When comes to the competition format typically unfolds, from registration to crowning a winner. The players will be paired randomly by Swiss Online Tournament for the 1st round and winners will get one point, for a draw result between players, both will get 0.5 points respectively and no points will be given for a loss. After the first round, players will be paired against an opponent with a similar score which means winners face winners, and those who lost play against each other. This process will be repeated for 7 rounds, and points for all rounds will be added up until the final round, where the 8 highest point players will be the winner for chess and 5 places will be awarded to those top 5 highest points players in XiangQi. ​ There is also some advice that was given by the project director and vice project director to the participants for preparing to compete in the checkmate competition for the first time. ​ “Stay calm, stay focused, and keep pushing forward. Embrace challenges without fear of failure. Maintain a positive mindset, learn from setbacks, and keep progressing”, said Liew. ​ “Ensure thorough preparation and optimal performance. Prioritize time management for effective gameplay. Focus on maximizing enjoyment while maintaining strategic focus and adapting to challenges”, said Tong. ​ Text: Che Jia Yi/Photo: Che Jia Yi Created on 6th April 2024 ​ ​