2.1       Introduction  

2.1.1    Profile
 



Figure 1.1 USM Engineering Campus Front Gate

 USM Engineering Campus, Nibong Tebal, located at the south of Seberang Perai,  is close to two other small bordering towns, Parit Buntar, Perak and Bandar Baharu, Kedah. The futuristic and modern concept of the landscape and layouts of buildings add to its uniqueness and distinctiveness. This campus is very prominent because it is the only higher learning institution in the suburb.
 The campus covers about 320 acres of land which was formerly a palm-oil plantation. It was developed based on a futuristic but environmentally-friendly concept. The layout of the buildings was inspired by the shape of a horse shoe. Currently, the campus has an enrollment of about 4000 students
The initiation of this campus is aligned with USM’s specific aspiration and the government’s general expectations to develop studies in the engineering field in order to produce an all-round human capital necessary for the development and progress of the nation. It was started at the School of Applied Sciences, Main Campus in 1972. The era of engineering studies began at the university in 1984 when the school was restructured into two disciplines of studies and was named the School of Engineering Science and Industrial Technology. In accordance to the need to develop these fields of studies, USM was encouraged to separate the fields physically. Hence, the branch campus was developed to specifically cater to the field of engineering studies.
Originally, the branch campus was located at Seri Iskandar, a town situated about 28 km from Ipoh, Perak. Therefore, the campus was aptly named Perak Branch Campus (KCP). Nevertheless, after operating at the state for 15 years (1986-2001), the campus was moved back to Penang, and renamed as Engineering Campus.

The campus offers the opportunity for Malaysians and foreigners to study in a variety of engineering fields. To date, there are 6 schools of engineering including the School of Aerospace Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, School of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, School of Materials & Mineral Resources Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and School of Mechanical Engineering. The school offers study opportunities at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Other than that, there are two research centres, namely River Engineering & Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC) and Collaborative µElectronic Design Excellence Centre (CEDEC).
The campus also comprises School of Languages, Literacies & Translation and several service centres such as Centre for Knowledge, Communication & Technology, Registry Department, Bursary, Library, Health Centre, Development Department and Security Department.
The campus is strategically located in the midst of three small towns of three neighbouring states. Being the sole IPT (Institut Pengajian Tinggi) in the vicinity, it is anticipated that it would be an agent to quicken the development for the three areas. The presence of this campus will boost the economic growth of Nibong Tebal, Parit Buntar and Bandar Baharu as well as surrounding towns. Therefore, the role played by this campus is in tandem with the government’s plan to develop the suburbs and small towns.
It is the responsibility of the staff and students of USM and the hope of members of the public that the Engineering Campus continues to thrive and contribute to the community and uphold the nation’s aspirations.

2.1.2    Vision, Mission, Value, Thrust

            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, University, Change, Sacrifice, Wellness.




2.1.3    Clients Charter
USM are committed to achieve the mission and vision through:
a) Empowering students with the values and characteristics that are accepted in local & global markets.
b) Empowering students to enhance future leadership talents to build a human capital that is holistic and sensitive to social issues and global changes in the process of nation building.
c) Empowering researches to improve the research & innovation that are recognized and make an impact on society and the survival of a sustainable world.
d) Strengthening academic excellence through continuous professional development and keeping abreast with technology.
e)      Educating and strengthening efforts to realize the sustainability agenda of the University.
f)       Strengthening University collaborations in various local & global strategic networks.
g)      Strengthening the governance of the University through the improvement of quality & continuous professional development.










2.1.4  USM Emblem

               


     

Figure 1.2 USM Emblem

The crest of USM, featuring the crescent and the moon, two tigers, shield and the motto, reflects the Malaysian identity from which the University draws its inspiration and support. The role of the University as a national institution reflected in the other symbols in the crest.

The crescent symbolizes the authority of Islam, the official religion in Malaysia. The fourteen pointed star signifies the unity of the thirteen states and the Malaysian government. The two tigers, the national symbols of Malaysia, embody the quality of strength. The two golden palm fronds signify economic prosperity.

The shield, a universal reflection of protection, held by the tigers, is a traditional instrument of the indigenous people of Malaysia. Purple, signifying high rank, is the official color of the University. The open book in the shield represents knowledge associated with the University.  Two ‘keris’, signifying the authority and power of royalty, are the traditional arms of the Malays. The hibiscus on the shield is representing the national flower of Malaysia.

Overall, the crest is underpinned by the motto ‘KAMI MEMIMPIN’ (WE LEAD) that reflects the role of the university in the fields of knowledge, teaching, research and community service.







2.1.5    The Logotype



      


Figure 1.3 USM Logotype

S letter in white color is placed between the letter U and M in purple. The official USM logotype is designed in the form of a string of three letters signifying the cohesiveness of USM as an organization. The S letter is in white color and is flanked by the U letter and M either side in purple, the official color of the University.


The use of the S letter in white symbolizes the state of well-being (Sejahtera) prevailing within the campus as well as soundness of thought and the keenness of its citizenry. The S letter also signifies the Science (Sains) and Literature (Sastera), in the form of a symmetrical S, symbolizing a sense of balance and harmony in the quest for knowledge.
 The S letter with an opening at the top and bottom represent ‘out of the box’ trait, in line with the innovative aspirations of USM as stated in mission statement. The S letter which is connected to the letter U and M signifies the close ties between University and Masses, unified by knowledge and widely disseminated.

Orange Color
The orange color is taken from the color of the tiger in the official USM crest to signifying the dynamic and active nature of USM as a knowledge enterprise at both national and international level.
Triangle in Orange
The symbol symbolizes the stability of USM, which has it basis in three core values- excellence, well-being and cordiality (Unggul, Sejahera, Mesra). The triangle is placed on the base of the S letter signifies the importance of these core values in supporting the USM motto which is ‘WE LEAD’.
Four Vertical Bars in Orange
    The four vertical bars in orange signify the four guiding principles of USM which function as the main pillars in the overall development of the University






2.1.6    Brand Signature

    USM brand signature is the heart of the USM identity and as such must always appear in exactly the same manner wherever it is seen. The brand signature is a combination of the crest, logotype and the descriptor. These are locked together as a single entity. The brand signature can appear in two formats- horizontal and vertical- to maximize its visual impact dependent on the space available.
2.1.7    Location

    The location of the campus, in the midst of three small towns of three neighboring states is very strategic. True to its character as the sole IPT in the vicinity, it is anticipated that it would be an agent to heighten the development for the 3 areas. The presence of this campus will assist in boosting the economic growth of Nibong Tebal - Parit Buntar – Bandar Baharu and the surroundings. Therefore, the role played by this campus is in tandem with the planning and the government’s effort to develop the suburbs and small towns.

                              
                            

Figure 1.4 Location of USM Engineering Campus
Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal,
Seberamg Pera Selantan, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

Tel: +604-599 5999 | Fax: +604- 594 1001


About