University Transition and Transformation: Navigating Your Path to Excellence

1 April 2026 – The School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) successfully organised a student development programme entitled “University Transition and Transformation: Navigating Your Path to Excellence” on 1 April 2026, held at the Lecture Hall 6, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus. The session, commences at 2.15 pm was coordinated by Dr. Nur Syuhada’ Mohamad Ali.

The programme was designed to support the first-year Chemical Engineering students as they navigate the transition from pre-university education to the demands of university life. Through a combination of sharing sessions and interactive dialogue, the event aimed to equip students with the mindset and skills necessary to thrive both academically and personally.

Insightful Forum Session with Students and Alumni

A key highlight of the programme was a forum session moderated by Ahmad Huzairy Zaharuddin, featuring a diverse panel comprising:

• Lim Jia Hong (Final Year Student)
• Nur Edryana Ezzaty Muhammad Kamal (Final Year Student)
• Yau Kin Hou (Third Year Student)
• Farihah Luqman, Quality Engineer at XSD International Paper Sdn. Bhd., Kulim and a Chemical Engineering alumnus

The panelists shared valuable personal experiences on adapting to university life, managing academic challenges, and preparing for future careers. Their perspectives provided first-year students with relatable insights into the realities of the Chemical Engineering programme, while also highlighting practical strategies for success.

Fostering Adaptability and Essential Skills

The programme emphasised several key objectives, including helping students adapt to the academic and social environment of university, while fostering a sense of togetherness through effective communication and interaction. Participants were also exposed to the importance of soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, time management, and critical thinking—competencies that are essential not only for academic excellence but also for future professional development.

In particular, the sharing session offered practical guidance on time management, with senior students and the alumni panelist reflecting on their own journeys and lessons learned. This exchange enabled first-year students to better understand how to balance coursework, extracurricular involvement, and personal well-being.

Encouraging Reflection and Goal Setting

Beyond practical advice, the programme encouraged students to reflect on their personal goals and aspirations, and to develop realistic strategies for achieving success throughout their four-year academic journey. The session reinforced the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and continuous improvement in navigating university life.


The programme concluded on a positive note, with active engagement from participants and meaningful exchanges between students, seniors, and alumni.

Through initiatives such as this, the School of Chemical Engineering continues to demonstrate its commitment to holistic student development, ensuring that students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the essential life skills needed to excel in an increasingly competitive and dynamic world.

Text by : ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR. MOHAMAD HEKARL UZIR