USM PENANG, 6 August 2024 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through the School of Educational Studies (PPIP), in collaboration with the GCC-USM and the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU), organised the 2^nd GCC International Conference on Global Citizenship Education 2024 from 6 – 8 August 2024.

The conference, held at the USM Main Campus, was jointly-organised with the aim to achieve several key objectives pertaining to the importance of Global Citizenship Education (GCED).

It provides a platform for researchers and academics to share their latest findings and insights, facilitate networking opportunities for participants to connect with peers and potential collaborators, and offer avenues for wider dissemination of research outcomes through journal publications.

Additionally, the conference served as a benchmark for evaluating current research in GCED, fostering collaboration and advancing the impact globally.

The conference attracted significant interest from participants across Malaysia, Japan, Ghana, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, with 90 presenters selected to share their research.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed officiated the opening ceremony earlier today.

He said, “The theme of this conference, “Building Inclusive Communities Through Global Citizenship Education,” emphasises the importance of GCED in creating a more sustainable and harmonious world.”

“I believe this conference serves as a dynamic platform for promoting global collaboration and citizenship, and in building a more inclusive society, regardless of one’s background and nationality,” he added.

“GCED plays a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations, therefore we need to equip our youth with the knowledge, skills, and values required to become active global citizens,” stressed the Vice-Chancellor.

According to the Director of APCEIU, Dr. Hyun Mook Lim, "A persistent gap exists between policy and practice, and integrating GCED into the national curriculum does not ensure its effective implementation.”

“Often, GCED is applied inadequately or superficially, highlighting a critical need for enhancing teachers' capacity, particularly in understanding and applying GCED concepts and pedagogy," stated Hyun.

In a fitting conclusion to the speech, he quoted a poignant saying: "All kinds of little people doing little acts in little ways in little places have changed the world."

This impactful statement highlighted the belief that even small efforts can drive significant global change, reinforcing the core principles of Global Citizenship Education.

The 2nd GCC International Conference on Global Citizenship Education features two prominent keynote speakers.

Hyun discussed the critical role of Global Citizenship Education in tackling global challenges such as inequality and ecological destruction.

Another keynote speaker, Professor Dato’ Dr. Sivamurugan Pandian, who lectures at the USM School of Social Sciences, focused on how Global Citizenship Education fosters mutual understanding and respect across diverse cultures, promoting a unified global community.

These keynote speakers aim to inspire and guide participants in exploring the transformative potential of education in addressing contemporary global issues.

Also present at the event were Dean of the School of Educational Studies, Associate Professor Dr. Rahimi Che Aman; Penang Education Department Deputy Director of the Learning Sector, Roland @ Rozaidi Abu Hassan; Director of GCC-USM, Dr. Rohizani Yaakub, along with other academicians, research officers, and key university officers.

Text: Shafinaz Md Ismail/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa & Shamil Shazwan Abu Bakar 

BUKIT JAMBUL, 28 May 2024 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through the School of Biological Sciences (SBS), in collaboration with the Asian Society of Ichthyologists (ASI), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) with support from Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), Indonesia and IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia today joined forces to hold the the 7th International Conference of the Asian Society of Ichthyologists 2024 (ASIIC 2024).

The conference was resumed after a four-year hiatus due to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the theme “Exploring Species Diversity and Resilience of Asian Fishes in a Changing Environment”, the 2-day conference is particularly pertinent, given the current and future global concerns caused by uncontrolled anthropogenetic activities, such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction, coupled with the adverse effects of climate change.

The opening ceremony held at Auditorium Murad Mohd Noor, SAINS@USM this morning was graced by the presence of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab, representing the USM Vice-Chancellor.

In her speech, Habibah emphasised that this event aligns with efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life Below Water (SDG 14).

She highlighted that addressing these interconnected goals not only advances scientific understanding, but also fosters practical solutions for sustainable development and environmental conservation.

“It is hoped that through international collaboration and knowledge sharing at this conference, participants would enhance their understanding of complex issues related to biodiversity conservation,” she said.

Meanwhile ASIIC 2024 Chairperson, Professor Dr. Siti Azizah Mohd Nor in her welcoming speech expressed her confidence that this conference would strengthen professional bonds among ichthyologists working in Asia's biodiverse regions.

The exchange of ideas and expertise here is poised to drive innovation and inspire groundbreaking research initiatives in this field.

The keynote address was delivered following that by the Curator of Ichthyology, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, Dr. Tan Heok Hui entitled “Encheloclarias – A Cryptic Acid-Water Catfish from Sundaland, A Critical Update."

The conference will be held from 28 to 29 May 2024 with the participation of over 180 delegates from 16 countries.

Also present were the USM SBS Dean, Professor Dato’ Dr. Amirul Al-Ashraf Abdullah; principal officers of universities and head of departments.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa

PENANG, 8 September 2024 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) welcomed a delegation from the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) across Malaysia, as part of the Women's Leadership Retreat Workshop, "Leadershipher 2024," held recently from 5 to 7 September 2024.

With the agenda focusing on marine science and research, the workshop which gathered 158 participants was aligned with the theme of fostering leadership skills through diverse experiences.

According to CEMACS Director, Professor Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai, “During the morning session, we provided participants with the opportunity to gain deeper insights into marine science, including the latest research and the critical role of marine ecosystems.”

“This visit to CEMACS allowed participants to appreciate the importance of conservation and sustainable management of marine environments, which are crucial elements in our efforts to protect natural resources,” she added.

Led by marine science experts, the session involved interactive presentations and hands-on activities, connecting leadership principles with real-world environmental challenges.

Aileen also stated, “Participants explored scientific methods in marine research, the importance of coastal management, and how leadership can drive positive change in this field.”

“This engagement not only broadened the participants' understanding of environmental issues, but also stressed the significant role of leadership in addressing global challenges.

“Through this workshop, CEMACS aims to continue inspiring and equipping women leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to make meaningful decisions in their respective fields,” Aileen added.

She further highlighted that, the visit by the CUEPACS delegates to CEMACS was a great success, in line with the workshop's objective of nurturing forward-thinking and well-informed future leaders.

“This experience showcased the importance of integrating diverse areas of knowledge into leadership development programmes, serving as a model for future leadership initiatives,” Aileen remarked.

The programme was further enhanced with the presence of CUEPACS President, Dato' Dr. Haji Adnan bin Mat.

CEMACS, located within Penang National Park, is the oldest marine and coastal research centre in the country. The centre conducts research and training focusing on biodiversity, marine ecosystem conservation, coastal ecosystem preservation, mangrove ecosystems, mariculture, and marine mammal ecology studies.

Source: Dr. Annette Jaya Ram & Professor Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai (CEMACS)/Editing: Shafinaz Md Ismail

BANGI, 16 May 2024 - A group of students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has once again demonstrated its excellence in implementing environmental and sustainability initiatives, and aligning closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 10th Malaysian International Seminar on Antarctica with the theme “Polar Research for Sustainability & Planetary Health” was organised from 14 - 16 May 2024 at Bangi Resort Hotel in Bangi, Selangor, where it was officiated by Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu, the Patron of the Sultan Mizan Antarctic Research Foundation (YPASM).

The USM students who participated in The Sustainable Antarctica Competition 2024 - TikTok Creative Video Competition that was held in conjunction with the seminar had achieved outstanding success. Competing amongst 150 participants, they won multiple top awards, showcasing their creativity and commitment to sustainability.

Lee Ling Hui, a second-year student from the Bioresource Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, USM won the Grand Prize with her winning video.

Phang Khang Wei, a third-year student from the Food Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, USM secured the Second Prize.

Chin Pei Yi, also a third-year student from the Food Technology Division, won a Consolation Prize.

The team of Nadiah Mohammad Yusof and Nur Arni Sabrina Azmin, both fourth-year students from the School of Biological Sciences, also won another Consolation Prize.

Meanwhile, a student from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Ahmad Adam Osman Nurhazli won the "Most Liked Video" category.

The awards were presented by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad during the seminar.

Other notable achievements by USM extended beyond the video competition.

Jiei Kobe from the Environmental Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, USM, secured the First Prize for ‘Best Oral Presentation’ with his final-year project titled "Mercury Reduction by Micrococcus sp. Isolated from Signy Island, Antarctica."

This research is a collaborative effort between USM and the British Antarctic Survey, supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Japareng Lalung and Professor Dr. Peter Convey. The project aligns with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by addressing the impact of mercury pollution on ecosystems.

Adding to the accolades, Associate Professor Dr. Yusri Yusup from the Environmental Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, USM, was announced as a recipient of the YPASM grant worth RM130,000 for his project titled “Enhancing Understanding of Antarctic Atmospheric Processes and their Teleconnection to the Monsoons in the Strait of Malacca, Malaysia through Comprehensive Data Management.”

The award was presented to him by Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu. This project supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) by enhancing understanding of climate processes and their effects.

Both the Sustainable Antarctica Competition 2024 and the 10th Malaysian International Seminar on Antarctica provided a significant platform for highlighting innovative research and creative approaches aimed at promoting sustainability and planetary health.

The remarkable achievements by USM underscore its dedication to environmental stewardship and its leadership in education and research on sustainability and contributing to various SDGs, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

For more details about the competition, visit Sustainable Antarctica Competition 2024. To learn more about the seminar, visit 10th Malaysian International Seminar on Antarctica.

Text: Associate Professor Dr. Japareng Lalung (School of Industrial Technology, USM)/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin