University of Science Malaysia (USM) as an Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX) university has taken a step forward yesterday to continue the online lectures to overcome COVID-19.

Since the outbreak began, USM has taken the initiative to execute a temporary lockdown of all campuses for 3 weeks in stages, from Tuesday, 17 March 2020 until Sunday, 5 April 2020.

State Assemblyman (ADUN) Seri Delima, Syerleena Abdul Rashid also complimented that USM's efficiency for taking steps immediately after several US universities undertook a similar effort, which was to turn classroom lectures into online systems and other higher institutions should also take USM as an example on taking this measure.

According to the USM official portal and official Facebook page, USM has outlined an overview of future scenario planning following COVID-19 on 19th of March, and yesterday they have officially posted a statement based on excellent feedback from the scenario planning post (March 19th) – USM will continue to implement our limited access/online teaching, learning, and assessment policy for a period of 24 weeks (until Sunday, September 6th, 2020).

USM believed that it will take at least 4 to 6 months for Covid-19 to be contained.

There was a live streaming today morning at 10 a.m. on USM Facebook which was regarding the COVID-19 scenario planning meeting.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan has confirmed that all decisions are finalized and a new schedule of the academic calendar will be issued soon. Most of the academic matters of undergraduate and postgraduate had been discussed as well as the students' and staff's wellbeing.  

Besides, USM has launched a special fund to provide the students, including international students and students with families, with meals at all campuses throughout this troubled period in containing the COVID-19 outbreak. Student Representative Council (MPP USM) also continuing to serve the students by giving food coupons, preparing food to those who stay put in Penang.

USM does do a great job of taking all these moves and discussions to overcome this tough situation.

Students are really glad to see that the university is taking this situation seriously and solving it effectively. I believe that USM is doing their best of job in exemplifying the motto "We Lead" in serving the country.