Nilai, Negeri Sembilan – Malaysia, May 17, 2025 – The Faculty of Medicine USU delegates once again brought honor to the institution on the international stage by winning 2nd Place in the USIM iMicrobe 2025 (International Microbiology Quiz Competition) organized by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM).

The competition, held on May 17, 2025, brought together 29 teams of medical and dental students from four countries (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia), including teams from renowned universities such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Mahidol University, Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

The Faculty of Medicine USU sent one team consisting of Nicholash Marcolius Sutanto, Enrico Franditho Sihombing, Yuni Harun Marsella, and Ruth Maria Situmorang under the guidance of Dr. dr. Sri Amelia, M.Kes. This team demonstrated outstanding competence in Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases.

The competition began with the Explorace Race, which presented interactive game-based challenges and team strategy. This was followed by a Group Test of 60 multiple-choice and 150 true/false questions that tested speed and coordinated thinking under time constraints. The Faculty of Medicine USU team successfully entered the top 10 semifinalists based on the cumulative results.

Participants competed in a Buzzer Quiz format in the semifinal round, demanding speed, accuracy, and decision-making under time pressure. The three teams with the highest scores were then announced as finalists: NUS, NTU, and USU.

The final stage was a VIVA Quiz, where three team representatives orally answered questions directly from the judging panel. Through a performance full of determination and team solidity, the Faculty of Medicine USU delegates successfully secured 2nd Place, surpassing NTU, and were only narrowly beaten by NUS, which won 1st Place. The award was presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Razrim Bin Rahim, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, USIM.

Participation in USIM iMicrobe 2025 was an event to showcase academic abilities and served as an essential platform for medical students from various countries to forge friendships, exchange ideas, and build international connections that will be very beneficial in the future.

"This is not just an academic victory, but also a moment to strengthen collaboration and build student confidence on the global stage," said Nicholash, one of the Faculty of Medicine USU delegates.

This achievement adds to the list of international accomplishments for the Faculty of Medicine at USU. It strengthens the institution's commitment to producing graduates who are academically excellent and ready to compete and contribute globally. The Faculty of Medicine USU delegates expressed their gratitude for the full support from the lecturers, especially their mentor, Dr. dr. Sri Amelia, M.Kes., and all parties who facilitated the preparation and execution of this event.