USM EMPOWERS GLOBAL YOUTH THROUGH REAL-WORLD LEARNING
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to advance global sustainability through Take Action Lab Malaysia, a 12-week programme integrating academic learning, cultural immersion and community engagement.
Organised with Tilting Futures, a United States-based organisation, the initiative connects international participants with university expertise, local knowledge and community networks. To date, three cohorts comprising 136 participants from 43 countries have completed the programme.
Participants worked with researchers, practitioners and multiple local organisations in areas such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, the circular economy and ecosystem restoration, gaining practical knowledge that could be adapted and applied in their home countries.
USM was selected to host the programme because of its leadership in sustainability. In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2026, USM ranked fifth globally overall and retained the world’s top position for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
The programme also advances the Ministry of Higher Education’s national higher education direction by promoting edutourism, which combines structured learning with travel, cultural immersion and community engagement. Through Take Action Lab Malaysia, USM supports the Ministry’s efforts to position Malaysia as a globally competitive education destination by offering international participants meaningful opportunities to learn while experiencing the country’s cultural and environmental diversity.
USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Datin Dr. Noor Hazlina Ahmad, said the programme connected academic knowledge with communities and real-world challenges.
“Internationalisation is not merely about bringing participants across borders. They must understand local communities, collaborate across cultures and apply their knowledge to create tangible benefits. Through this programme, Penang becomes their living classroom,” Professor Datin Dr. Noor Hazlina said.
Participants also attended learning sessions with USM’s Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), involving ECOHub, Centre for Education, Training & Research in Renewable Energy (CETREE), Environmental Protection and Education Hub (EPEHub) and the Master in Sustainable Development Practice programme.
CGSS Director Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Wira Mohd Shafiei said the immersive approach deepened participants’ understanding of sustainability through direct community engagement.
“Working alongside researchers and communities allows participants to understand the connections between technology, the environment, the economy and human well-being. This is where knowledge is translated into action,” he said.
Cultural activities coordinated by the USM International Office and USM Buddies further strengthened participants’ intercultural communication, leadership, empathy and resilience.
In the coming years, through Take Action Lab Malaysia and other international initiatives led by USM, more young people from around the world will have opportunities to experience learning beyond borders, broaden their horizons and transform knowledge into meaningful action.
Each participant who returns home carrying new perspectives, sustainable practices and lasting international connections further strengthens USM’s role in shaping globally responsible youth and positioning Malaysia as a leading global education destination.