TOT SULAM WORKSHOP ENHANCES ACADEMIC UNDERSTANDING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING
USM PENANG, 19 August 2026 – The Centre for Co-curricular Programme (PRK), in collaboration with the Academic and International Affairs Division (BAA), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), organised the Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop for Service‑Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM) at Balai Pese’ban Agung, School of the Arts, USM.
The workshop provided a platform to strengthen academic staff’s understanding of SULAM concepts and implementation in teaching and learning. It also encouraged participants to share experiences and explore effective approaches in planning and delivering SULAM projects.
In her opening remarks, Deputy Vice‑Chancellor Academic and International, Professor Datin Dr. Noor Hazlina Ahmad, highlighted that SULAM is not merely a teaching and learning approach, but a vital bridge connecting academic knowledge, students, and communities in addressing real societal needs.
Deputy Director of PRK and USM SULAM Coordinator, Dr. Noor Alyani Nor Azazi, reviewed the progress and achievements of SULAM at USM during the “SULAM@USM” session. She noted that while SULAM initially involved only a few schools and programmes, it has now expanded across diverse academic fields, reflecting USM’s strong commitment to community‑based learning.
To support this growth, the SULAM Fund has been strengthened and restructured as the USM SULAM Grant beginning Semester II, Academic Session 2025/2026.
USM SULAM Strategic Member, Associate Professor Dr. Oh Wen Da, outlined the grant application process, evaluation criteria, and key elements for designing impactful projects. Abdul Mu’izz Abd Aziz from USM’s Bursary provided guidance on financial management, including allocation, expenditure, and compliance with university regulations.
The programme also featured the Director of Community Network, Division of Industry and Community Network (BJIM), Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Izzuddin Syakir Ishak, who presented “COMPASSION@SULAM,” an initiative to strengthen the link between service‑learning and USM’s community engagement agenda.
Dr. Hamidah Idris, Strategic Committee Member of SULAM at the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) and academic from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), shared best practices in SULAM implementation, including impact measurement and recognition opportunities.
The TOT SULAM workshop brought together more than 78 participants from 24 schools across USM’s Main Campus, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus, and Health Campus. Participants included Deputy Deans (Academic, International and Career), SULAM coordinators, and lecturers involved in implementing SULAM through their courses.
In his closing remarks, Director of PRK, Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Hazizan Mohd Hashim, expressed hope that the knowledge and guidance shared would enhance participants’ understanding and inspire greater commitment to strengthening SULAM at USM.
The workshop is expected to empower the systematic, effective, and sustainable implementation of SULAM, delivering meaningful impact to students, the university, and the wider community.
Also present was Mohd Amirullah Zainal Abidin from the Division of Academic and International Affairs (BAA), USM.