KYOTO, JAPAN, 25 September 2017 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS) have jointly-organised the 5th University-Community Engagement Conference (UCEC) 2017.

The 5th UCEC 2017, currently held at KUFS, in Kyoto, Japan is the outcome resulting from the inaugural conference in 2009, where a resolution was passed for USM to co-organise future UCECs with other community-engaged universities in the region to enhance and strengthen linkages with the communities. The theme for this 5th conference was "Navigating Community: Charting a Course for the 21st Century".

During the opening ceremony, the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail represented the university as the co-organiser of the conference to deliver the welcoming remarks.

In her speech, she mentioned that in order to remain relevant, universities in the 21st century are expected to not only generate new knowledge, but also the creation of impactful and economically beneficial knowledge for the wellbeing of communities.

“In order to achieve this, higher education in the 21st century need to incorporate initiatives to learn, un-learn, re-learn, co-learn and co-create in order to meet the challenges towards ensuring a sustainable tomorrow.

"Universities need to maintain the balance between being values-driven as well as profit-driven and one way to do that is to perform community engagement as part of the university's policy," said Asma.

In the same speech, she also quoted that it is no longer about us and universities acting on transferring knowledge to societies, but rather to move from knowledge transfer to knowledge exchange in order to bring about the transformation of knowledge, by working side by side with the community, by listening to what the community wants before acting on it.

“True community engagement concept recognises and acknowledges that universities have to be respectful, inclusive and open to communities who are equal partners. Universities must be willing to learn from the communities who also possess wisdom, knowledge and skills to be shared with all,” she added.

The 5th UCEC is seen as rightfully bringing forth novel ideas among the participants, consisting of both academics and community engagement practitioners and other related fields to collaborate and extend community engagement services beyond their respective borders.

“Here is where the Asia-Pacific University-Community Engagement Network (APUCEN) led by USM can play a pivotal role to facilitate and collaborate in regional community engagement projects with the sharing of resources and expertise,” she stressed.

Asma conveyed her heartiest thanks and deepest appreciation to KUFS, the Japanese government, main sponsors and also those who have given their tremendous support for UCEC 2017 and having done an excellent job.

Apart from Asma, KUFS President, Dr. Takeshi Matsuda being the Advisor of UCEC 2017 Steering Committee, gave the welcoming remarks while KUFS Vice-President for International Affairs, Professor Toshiki Kumagai, as Chairman of UCEC 2017 Steering Committee, Japan delivered the opening remarks.

The conference saw the attendance of some 129 participants from eight nations.

Keynote addresses were presented by Chairman of The International House of Japan, Dr. Yasushi Akashi, and USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail.

In the programme, a forum session would be held and to be moderated by USM Director of Community Network and Co-Chairman of UCEC 2017 Steering Committee, Tuan Syed Yusoff Bin Syed Kechik and Executive Director of APUCEN, Professor Dato' Dr.  Aileen Tan Shau Hwai, as well as a total of 17 parallel sessions throughout.

The opening ceremony was also graced by H.E. Mr. Yoichi Suzuki (representative of the Government of Japan, Ambassador for Kansai Region), Mr. Toru Morishita (from the Department of Culture and Sports, and representing the Governor of Kyoto Prefecture), The Hon. Daisaku Kadokawa (Mayor of Kyoto) and Professor Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Industry and Community Network USM and Advisor of UCEC 2017 Steering Committee, Malaysia).