GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA, 3 November 2013 – Knowledge-transfer partnership (KTP) is important in promoting the transfer of knowledge through the exchange of creative and innovative ideas, experiences and skills, between universities and the community at large.

This was stressed by the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman, who is also the President of the Asia-Pacific University Engagement Network (APUCEN), in his keynote address on the third day of the 4^th University Community Engagement Conference (UCEC) here today.

“The rationale of establishing KTP is to support the implementation of the Malaysian New Economic Model in generating a knowledgeable and high-income nation.

“In essence, KTP is expected to provide a meaningful platform that facilitates identification and matching of appropriate expertise available at the universities to address community needs,” said Omar.

He added that KTP is also expected to strengthen accessibility of knowledge transfer to spur industry-community development and quality of life.

The hope is to take a more positive leadership role and serve the community as precisely portrayed in the USM logo “WE LEAD.”

The session ended with Omar making a passionate plea to all institutions to support the "Rebuild the Community in Andap (Phillipines) affected by typhoon" an upcoming initiative of USM with APUCEN.

“USM will further contribute a home shelter and send a faculty staff and student to conduct capacity building for the affected community there,” said Omar.

Text: Dr. Mohd Adi Firdaus Tan and Dr. Tan Kok Eng

Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe

Photos: Dr. Juliana Abdul Wahab