GEORGE TOWN: The Siswa Sulung Programme introduced by the Higher Education Ministry, has clearly benefited students from the B40 income group who lack the financial means to further their studies at public universities, including Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Nur Elisa Syuhada Syamsul Ikram, 20, a recipient of the programme’s assistance, described the offer she received to pursue her studies at USM as a dream come true.
The 20-year-old will pursue a Bachelor of Education degree in Teaching English as a Second Language.
“I have always dreamt of coming here (USM), but when I thought about my family not being able to afford the studies, I put that wish aside. However, I was surprised and very happy when I received an offer letter informing me that my studies would be fully sponsored by the university through the Siswa Sulung programme.
“With this assistance (Siswa Sulung programme), my only thought is to just study until I graduate.”
Another student, Muhammad Faeiz Danieall Mohamad Farid, 19, who has mild autism and experiences challenges with introversion and socialising, expressed his intention to demonstrate his ability to engage with and compete alongside his peers.
Muhammad Faeiz, the eldest of four siblings, will pursue the Bachelor of Arts programme in Language and Literature Studies with the assistance of participants from the Peer Assisted Learning programme, which guides students with difficulties, including persons with disabilities.
USM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed said that this year, a total of 4,936 candidates will register for the Bachelor of Arts (full-time) and diploma programmes at USM across all entry channels for the Academic Session 2025/2026.
