Conference location | Universiti Sains Malaysia
Minden 11800 USM Penang, Malaysia Tel : 604-653 3140/3114
See the GoogleMap here or by typing ICEL 2010 Penang into Google Maps.
Click on the detailed map for the layout of the University campus.
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University campus
Penang Hill Railway
Illuminated temple
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| University information | The university has been developing and expanding since its inception, which started with the enrolment of 57 science based students. Now, USM offers courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels to approximately 20,000 students. USM has also become a well-known university locally and internationally. USM was founded after an agreement made on a resolution approved by the Penang State Legislative Council in 1962, which suggested that a university college be established in the state. An area in Sungai Ara was identified and later the foundation stone was placed by the then Prime Minister, Y.T.M Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj on the 7th of August 1967. In 1969, the University of Penang was established in response to the need for a larger campus with a more conducive environment, appropriate to the needs of the future of the country. In 1971, the campus, which was originally planned to be situated in Sungai Ara, moved to its present site, Minden, a beautiful location with an area measuring 500 acres. The green and hilly scenery facing the sea is truly captivating. The University in a Garden concept as conceptualized by USM is designed to depict the close affinity between its roles and function as an institution of higher learning and nature amidst a garden setting. The flora, fauna, aquatic elements and other natural creations are dynamically linked in the exploration into the nature of existence. The concept invites us to preserve the campus greenery as part of efforts to develop an intellectual world/setting. Since its beginning, USM has implemented a school system, as opposed to the traditional faculty system. What is unique about this system is that each school could fulfill the needs of a more focused degree in the chosen area of study and at the same time, students could have the opportunity to explore other areas of study offered by another school. The interdisciplinary approach ensures that USM, the first in the country to adopt this system, would produce trained, multi-skilled graduates.
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| Conference accommodation | The conference accommodation is offered at the Hotel Equatorial. Please note there is limited accommodation available. To reserve accommodation at the conference rates, see the registration page. Click here to take a look at the hotel website. | |
| Conference dinner venue | The Conference diner location is still to be determined.
Registered participants are welcome to bring a guest to dinner, see the Registration page
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| General information | Penang, "The Pearl of the Orient” lies off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The state comprises the island of Penang covering an area of about 285 sq. km and a narrow strip of approximately 760 sq. km on the mainland known as Seberang Perai (Province Wellesley) separated by a channel 3 km wide at the closest point. They are linked by the Penang Bridge and a 24-hour ferry service. Its population of more than 1 million represents a happy mix of the major races found in Malaysia with Malays making up 32%, the Chinese 59% and Indians 7%. Georgetown, at the north-eastern tip of the island is the seat of administration and is also the commercial hub of the state. This bustling metropolitan city combines the best of east and west as seen in its fascinating collection of fine old buildings, each bearing the stamp of different foreign influences in its colorful history. Much of its charm also lies in its famous golden beached and calm warm seas. Penang today is a resort island in full bloom - an idyllic playground for worshippers of the sun and the sea. Its multi-racial population contributes to a wealth of cultural attractions and festivals for visitors to bring home memories of happy times in Penang. | |
| Getting to Penang | Airport
Penang International Airport
The Penang International Airport (PEN) is the gateway for people arriving in Penang by plane. Previously called the Bayan Lepas International Airport, the Penang International Airport is located about 16km from George Town and 11km from USM (Universiti Sains Malaysia). The Arrival Hall is located on the ground floor of the airport.
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Bus –
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| Taxi Costs | The taxi fare from PEN to USM is about RM26. | |
| Climate in conference month | The average temperature range in July is 24-33C Click here for current weather information. | |
| Local Newspaper | To see what is happening in Penang read the local papers. Click the link to read The Star online. | |
| Currency and exchange rates | Click here for up to date currency exchange rates | |
| Time zone | Standard time zone: UT/UTC/GMT +8 hours | |
| Dialling codes | Click here to find the International Dialling Code | |
| Getting from the Airport to the Universiti Sains Malaysia | By taxi: The Taxi Booth stands right in the middle of Arrival Hall. You can't miss it. It has the word "Teksi" on it. The taxi fare from PEN to USM is about RM26. By bus
Since 1 July 2008, Rapid Penang, the main bus operator in Penang, has a bus service from the Penang International Airport terminal building. Bus number U401 and U401E takes you to to the town. The Rapid Penang buses have a red roof, cream-and-blue body, and red livery with the words "rapid PENANG" in white. Click here for the bus route map of Rapid Penang from PEN to USM. The distance is about 10km and the bus fare RM2.00 | |
| Getting from the TBD Hotel to Universiti Sains Malaysia | Further details on getting from the Hotel to the conference site will appear here soon. | |
| Other useful links (Please note: ACL are not responsible for the content on external sites). | Web links to the tourist site for the Penang Island: http://www.tourismpenang.gov.my/ http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/en/destinations/state.asp?state=penang http://www.ilovepenang.com/ http://www.malaysia.sawadee.com/penang/places.htm
Airport parking and airport hotels - car parking at Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester and all major UK airports
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| Updated 3 November 2009 | | |
