USM Allocates RM2.8 Million For 280 Siswa Sulung Students This Year

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has allocated RM2.8 million in educational assistance for 280 recipients of the Siswa Sulung initiative, comprising first individuals from B40 families pursuing bachelor’s degree studies in the 2025/2026 academic session.

USM vice-chancellor Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed said that the allocation would allow students to enjoy full exemption from tuition, registration, recurring and other academic fees throughout their four-year study at the university.

He said the initiative reflects USM’s commitment to providing fair and comprehensive access to education for underprivileged students by ensuring they receive the necessary financial, academic, social and welfare support to excel.

“As a community-friendly university, USM provides equal opportunities to all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through this holistic support approach, we aim to ease financial challenges while fostering character development and soft skills that will drive their success on campus and beyond,” he said in a statement today.

Abdul Rahman added that USM also offers academic support through the Siswa Sulung Human Development Module, which aims to cultivate resilience, leadership, strong character, financial literacy and active community involvement, helping students become well-prepared and competitive.

Apart from academic and financial support, USM also provides basic needs kits for new students, which will be distributed starting Sept 26 to help ease their transition from home to campus without the need to purchase essential items themselves.

Earlier, Abdul Rahman visited twin sisters A’jwaa and Najwaa Abdul Hadi at their home in Kampung Guar Syed, Penaga, to personally present them with offer letters to continue their studies at USM.

A’jwaa, a Siswa Sulung recipient, has been offered a Bachelor of Applied Science in Agrobiology, Biotechnology, Environmental Biology, and Entomology and Parasitology.

Her younger sister Najwaa will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.

Their 48-year-old father works as a welder with an irregular income, relying on customer orders, and was previously a fisherman.

Their 47-year-old mother, a housewife, also babysits children, earning an income of RM350 a month.

-- BERNAMA