ABOUT
USM INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

Previously known as the International Mobility & Collaboration Centre (IMCC), the USM International Office serves as the platform for USM international students to pursue high-quality higher education through a range of mobility programs. These programs enable USM students to compete in the global market and position themselves as future Global HR representatives through diverse initiatives both at home and abroad. We extend a warm welcome to students to participate in our programs and immerse themselves in Malaysia, a diverse country that boasts rich cultures and serves as an excellent hub for travel to other South East Asian nations. The student exchange and study abroad program offers students the chance to study for one to two semesters. USM, as a leading university, provides the opportunity to experience top-tier education in an exceptional location, allowing you to explore a nation renowned worldwide as 'Truly Asia'.
"USM via INTERNATIONAL OFFICE strives to internationalise its institution with high commitment of staff and students through world-class teaching and learning, research and community engagement activities."
The Management

Prof Datin Dr Noor Hazlina Ahmad
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic& International)

Prof. Dr. Lee Keat Teong
International Office Director
Email:
Tel: +604-653-2710

Sr. Dr. Muneera Esa
International Office Deputy Director (Student Mobility)
Tel: +604-6533848

Dr. Siti Rahyla Rahmat
International Office Deputy Director (Global Engagement & International Strategic)
Tel: +604-6532778

Prof. Madya Dr. Norsuhana Omar
International Office Coordinator USM Health Campus
Tel: +609-767-6555

Ms. Moganeswary Muthusamy
Principal Assistant Registrar (International Office Administrative / Student Mobility / Crisis Management)
Tel: +604-6532782

Ms. Clarene Tan Chern Chieh
Senior Assistant Registrar
(Global Engagement & International Strategic)
Tel: +604-6532779

Mr. Mugilan Ravi
Administrative Executive (Student Mobility / International Student Welfare)
Tel: +604-6532735

Ms. Joey Teoh
Administrative Executive (Visa & Immigration)
Tel: -

Madam Norashiken bt Haji Ahmad
Assistant Registrar (International Office @ Health Campus, Kelantan)
Tel: +609-7672381

Madam Nur Intan Soofena Husni
Assistant Registrar (Academic and Professional Development Unit - USM LEAP)
Tel: +604-6536760

Madam Zulaikha Ilham Zulkifli
Assistant Registrar (Academic and Professional Development Unit - USM LEAP)
Tel: +604-6532785
Secretary & International Coordinator

Mr. Ridhwan Ramli
secretary
Administration Unit, International Relations & Student Support Unit

Madam Norsuriati
Administrative Assistant

mr. aznizam bukhari
Administrative Assistant

Adli Akbar Hamzah
Administrative Assistant

Mr. Mohd Suhaimi bin Sabu
Operational Assistant

Mr. Ridhuan Ghozali
Operational Assistant
Mobility Unit

Madam Shukriyah Zainol
Short-term Programme

Madam Siti Sarah Ibrahim
Research Attachment & Internship

Madam Norihan Othman
Inbound Mobility

Madam Nurfarahain Zulkefli
Outbound Mobility
Visa Unit

Miss Farah Amirah Fazida
Assistant Administrative Officer

Madam Suriati Mukhtar
Administrative Assistant

Miss Sabrina Mohamed Taib
Administrative Assistant

Mr. Muhammad Ikhwan Hakim Zamri
Administrative Assistant

Madam Nur Syifaa Mohamad Rosli
Administrative Assistant

Mr. Mohamed Amirul Iman Mohamed Hazli
Administrative Assistant

Mr. Muhammad Izwanshah Jasnisuhardi
Administrative Assistant

Mr. Mohd Erwan Roslan
Administrative Assistant

Miss Nor Asswat Hussain
Administrative Assistant
Visa Unit (USM Health Campus)

Mr. Nesrudin Zahari
Adminidtrative Assistant

Madam Nur Adilah Nasuha Che Hamid
Administrative Assistant
Academic and Professional Development Unit (USM LEAP)

Norsyafiqah Mohd Noor
Assitant Administrative Officer

USM International
The USM International (USMi) is the family of International students of USM, which includes students from throughout the world who strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all USMites. USMi members are proud of their home countries and want to share their cultures with the USM community. USMi aims to provide a safe space for International and Malaysian students of USM to interact, unleash their creativity, and share their cultural identities.
USM Buddies
The USM Student Buddies aims to make a lifelong friendship with International Students and bring them towards the student life in Malaysia and also, venture around Malaysia through various kind of activities. The Buddies will ensure and assist international students in acclimatising to their new environment and surrounding. They aim to motivate and assist international students to build a cohesive university culture whilst being USM’s ambassador. They encourage interaction and exchanges of opinion between international students and local students in order to help build and expand social networks that transcend borders, countries and continents.
PENANG, MALAYSIA

Penang, the island of almost 285 square meters is situated on the northwest side of the Peninsular Malaysia, and is also known as the pearl of the orient. It is one of the most touristic locations of Malaysia. Penang is the diverse state since it has become a melting pot for different races and religions where Indian, Malays and Chinese along with other ethnic groups live together. It has an eventful history which can be indicated through the diversity of inhabitants. With majority of population (41%) being Chinese, it given Island a Typical Asian feels that can not be seen in any other part of Malaysia. The beauty of the Penang Island lies in the acceptance and respect for religion and age-old traditions that has maintained the long term and harmonious multiracial community.
Culture
When Indians travelled to Penang, they brought their own religion and culture with them and introduced Hinduism and Buddhism to the people of Island. Around the ninth century Muslim traders from India and the Middle East set foot ashore Penang and whatever is left of the Malaysian peninsula. They were also mostly there for the operate to Southeast Asia. Muslim invested most of their time in spreading Islam in the region and that is the reason that Islam spread rapidly in this region as compared to Buddhism, Hinduism.
Penang attracts those who love arts and culture. It has many museums like Penang Museum that is housed in the former fortress constructed by British. And as a multicultural destination a UNESCO world heritage site, it is difficult to define the culture of Penang in one word. From rituals, cuisines and language to dressing the Peranakan Chinese have created fusion of cultures that stands as a true hallmark of Penang’s rich multi- cultural diversity. Ramadan is a major event that occurs during the ninth month of Islamic calendar.
Taste
As a food paradise, the island offers an endless variety of mouth-watering dishes and snacks that can satisfy the most exquisite taste buds. Penang is a melting pot of different cultures, reflected in local cuisine that incorporates Malay, Chinese, and Indian cooking. they have a saying on the island: “chiak si hock,” which literally means “eating brings in prosperity.” Indeed, Penangites are extremely proud of their cuisine. Street food is the most interesting part of the food culture for people of Penang. There would be different stalls for specific cuisine. It might be a novelty for some, but to Malaysians eating street food is part of their daily life.
Click here to view our USM Booklet.
CAMPUS LIFE AT USM
GETTING IN AND AROUND THE CAMPUS AND PENANG
SHORT DISTANCE TRAVEL
- Public Bus
Rapid Penang is the most convenient way to travel throughout the island. There is a free shuttle bus provided on campus (number CT11) that goes in and out of the USM Main Campus to Bukit Jambul, Sungai Nibong and Queensbay area. You can also take bus number 301, 303, 304 and 705 to reach USM from Port Weld and George town as well as from the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal. Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rapidpgfans/.
- Grab
Grab is an app offering ride-hailing transport services for an alternative mode of transportation providing you seamless access to a private chauffeur. Download and install on your mobile devices from App Store or Play Store. Get more information here: https://www.grab.com/my/
- Taxi
It will take around 20 minutes to reach USM from Penang International Airport. It normally costs MYR 35 one way.
- USM Bus
There is a commuter bus available for students inside campus for you to travel around the campus. Click to download campus map and USM bus route.
LONG DISTANCE TRAVEL
- Flight
There are plenty of airlines that connect directly to Penang International Airport internationally or domestically. Penang International Airport is located only 20 minutes away from USM. You can take the bus, grab or taxi and commute to USM directly.
- Long Distance Train
Take the fast Electric Train Service (ETS) from the capital city at the Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station to the Butterworth Train Station in Penang Mainland. Travel time varies from 3.5 to 4 hours depending on number of stops for the particular journey. Connect to the island via ferry for an interesting journey. From Port Weld (ferry and public bus terminal), you can take the Rapid Bus, Grab or taxi to USM Main Campus in a 20 minutes ride (time may vary depending on traffic). Checkout their website: https://www.ktmb.com.my/
- Long Distance Bus
There are plenty of buses better known as Express Bus that connects to various parts of Malaysia from Penang Island at the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal. Take the Rapid Bus, Grab or taxi to the bus terminal. You can also opt to walk to/from USM Main Campus as it is so nearby (about 15 minute’s walk to/from the Sungai 2 Gate)







