The Crest

The crest of USM, featuring the crescent and the moon, the two tigers, the 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 is reflected in the other symbols in the crest.

The crescent symbolises the authority of Islam, the official religion. 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 qualities 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 colour of the University.

The open book in the shield represents knowledge associated with the University. The two keris, signifying the authority and power of royalty, are the traditional arms of the Malays. The hibiscus on the shield is the national flower.

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.

The Logotype

The letter S in white is placed between the letters 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 organisation. The letter S is in white and is flanked by the letters U and M on either side in purple, the official colour of the University.

The use of the letter S in white symbolises the state of well-being (Sejahtera) prevailing within the campus as well as soundness of thought and the keenness of its citizenry.

The letter S also signifies the Sciences (Sains) and Arts (Sastera), in the form of a symmetrical S, symbolising a sense of balance and harmony in the quest for knowledge.

The letter S with an opening at the top and the bottom represents our “out-of-the-box” trait, in line with the innovative aspirations of USM as stated in our mission statement.

The letter S which is connected to the letters U and M, signifies the close ties between the University and the masses, unified by knowledge and widely disseminated.

The Triangle in Orange

The triangle in orange symbolises the stability of USM, which has its basis in three core values-excellence, well-being and cordiality (Unggul, Sejahtera, Mesra). The placing of the triangle on the base of the letter S signifies the importance of these three core values in support of the USM motto ‘We Lead’.

The 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.

USM Purple

Signifying high rank, this is the official colour of USM.

USM Orange

The colour orange is taken from the colour of the tiger in the official USM crest to signify the dynamic and active nature of USM as a knowledge enterprise at both national and international levels. 

Download USM's Logo