BATU MAUNG, 26 September 2023 - The Graduate School of Business (GSB), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in collaboration with the Prince of Songkla University (PSU) Thailand and Chung Hua University in Taiwan today held the Coastal Cleaning Engagement Programme, an engagement programme that was designed to promote global participation and facilitate the exchange of knowledge in environmental preservation, while instilling sustainable principles in our future business leaders.

With the aim to generate substantial and enduring positive impacts on local communities that rely on these resources of their livelihoods, this programme serves as an exceptional platform for the school and students of GSB@USM to interact with their international counterparts, with a specific focus on sustainability and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Held at Downtown Penang Second Bridge, the programme was officiated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Industry, Community Network and Institutional Sustainability, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran, representing the USM Vice-Chancellor.

Included at the same programme was the sharing session entitled ‘Impact of Coastal Cleaning Towards Sustainable Development Goal’ by Associate Professor Dr. Japareng Lalung and Waste Separation and Recycling’ presented by Dr. Chong Khai Lin from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Professor Dr. Nabsiah Abdul Wahid from USM.

Azlan Amran in his officiating speech said, it is hoped that the programme will provide a positive impact to the visitors as they will leave enriched with the wealth of knowledge and expertise shared by the esteemed speakers.

“I would like to encourage each and every one of you to fully immerse yourselves in this experience.

“Participate wholeheartedly, learn voraciously, and engage passionately. Let us leave here not only with cleaner coastlines, but with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility towards our environment and society,” said Azlan Amran.

“Tide together: preserve the pearl!,” he ended his speech.

Meanwhile, representing the Dean of GSB, Deputy Dean of Academic, Career and International, Dr. Zurina Mohaidin in her speech said that this programme holds an immense significance, not only in terms of the impact it will have on the environment, but also in the spirit of collaboration which it fosters among us.

“This programme is not just about cleaning up our coasts, but it’s about creating lasting impacts on the communities that rely on these coastal resources for their livelihoods. By coming together today, we aim to empower and uplift these communities, ensuring that they thrive alongside the natural beauty of our coasts,” said Zurina.

The coastal cleaning effort by 3 teams at the programme managed to collect a total of 78 kgs of rubbish of various types.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi & Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/ Photo: Shahnizam Ab Rahim