Arau: The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, today proclaimed the renaming of two Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) entities, the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus and the Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Cancer Centre.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, in his royal address, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin stated that the renaming of the engineering campus was based on a recommendation from the university's top management. This decision was made in recognition of his service as USM Chancellor and in conjunction with his Silver Jubilee as Raja of Perlis.

At the proclamation ceremony held at Bilik Hijau, Istana Arau, His Royal Highness also announced the renaming of the USM Clinical Specialist and Cancer Research Centre, formerly known as the Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, to the Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Cancer Centre. This change honours the contributions and legacy of the late prime minister.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin highlighted that the late Tun Abdullah played a key role in advancing the national cancer agenda, public health, and high-level medical research. He was instrumental in the development of the institution.

The Raja of Perlis noted that Tun Abdullah, who served seven terms as Member of Parliament for Kepala Batas, made significant contributions to the constituency and supported the growth of the institution as a leading medical and dental centre in northern Peninsular Malaysia.

His Royal Highness added that the two entities will enhance USM's excellence and benefit society, with the renaming symbolising trust, appreciation, and a legacy for future generations.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin expressed hope that the university will continue to serve as a balanced institution, combining advances in science and technology with humanitarian values, compassion, and social responsibility for the well-being of the people and the nation's prosperity.

The ceremony was attended by the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, the wife of the late Tun Abdullah, Tun Jeanne Abdullah, and USM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed.