PENANG, 10 June 2024 – The School of Communication at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently organised a student-led Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project titled "Hope for The Homeless Project” at the Pusat Transit Gelandangan (PTG) in George Town, Penang.
The project is one of the assessments for YBP230 CSR course under the supervision of Professor Dr. Jamilah Ahmad and Dr. Suriati Saad, and is aimed to enhance the well-being of PTG's homeless population by providing essential food and hygiene resources.
Additionally, it sought to promote self-sustainability among PTG residents through urban farming initiatives and to establish partnerships with local communities and businesses.
According to Suriati, "Based on our previous research on teaching CSR courses at university students, engaging the students with industry and community is a fundamental element to ensure students gain an overall understanding of the course. This is what we are trying to incorporate in this course."
“Our students have also developed a website for PTG to increase awareness of the services provided by PTG and to enable others such as corporate organisations, NGOs and general public to contribute to PTG,” she said, referring to the newly developed website to raise awareness about Pusat Transit Gelandangan that includes a donation form and contact details for the centre.
Assistant Operation Manager of PTG, Mohamad Nazrin Dolmat, warmly welcomed the USM students to the centre.
Nazrin stressed that homelessness is a growing problem in Malaysia, with more people forced to stay in shelters and struggle for food and survival. He expressed a particular need for food, especially meat, as it is rarely available to the homeless.
“We are thankful and grateful to have the students helped clean the shelters and set up hydroponic racks for fresh produce within the PTG area.
“This hydroponic initiative ensures that the centre has fresh produce to feed the residents, promoting health, wellness, and self-sufficiency. Additionally, the centre can sell the fresh produce to earn income,” he said.
Meanwhile, USM Pusat Sejahtera dentist, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, provided dental care education to the homeless individuals, emphasising the importance of dental hygiene. He demonstrated the proper method to brush teeth and gums and answered questions from the audience.
“Thank you to USM for their presence. This is not the first time a university has visited, but it is the first time there has been a hydroponic programme. Thanks to USM for coming and raising awareness about homelessness,” said Nazrin at the end of the programme.
Suriati summed up by saying, “Homelessness impacts the entire community. We must unite to tackle this challenge and help those who are struggling to find a better life.”
For the record, USM students curated sponsors and organised fundraising activities to collect food and money for essential items for the homeless including toothpaste, sanitary pads, biscuits, towels, and shampoo. These items were distributed, helping the homeless meet some of their basic needs and improving their well-being.
Source text & photo: Dr. Suriati Saad, School of Communication, USM/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe
PENANG, 6 July 2024 – USAINS Holding Sdn. Bhd. (USAINS), the business arm of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), has successfully hosted an Open Day event at the Eureka Complex at the USM main campus on 4 July, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
USAINS featured various products and services, giving opportunities to visitors primarily, USM staff and students to engage, ask questions and get their queries answered.
Visitors enjoyed the informative Open Day with refreshments served throughout the day.
One of the highlights of the Open Day was the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) Awareness Programme for China students pursuing their studies at USM in various fields and levels.
Approximately, 100 China students attended the session which aims to support the students in enhancing their English language ability through the TOEIC and Certification Programme.
A similar programme was successfully conducted for Boston Scientific employees and USAINS in collaboration with USM, and there are plans to further expand the programme to include the campus community in the future.
Through this event, USAINS further initiates the commitment to position quality products and services ranging from consultancy, contract research, education and training, lab testing to selling of USM plate numbers.
The Open Day serves as a valuable platform for USAINS to effectively communicate its roles and services to USM staff and students.
Through this initiative, USAINS hopes to enhance the value of its products and services and subsequently, sustain its pursuit of excellence as a promising university-based company in Asia.
Source: USAINS Holding Sdn. Bhd./Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: USAINS Holding Sdn. Bhd.
PENANG, 6 March 2024 - The School of Industrial Technology (PPTI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently welcomed a delegation from the Osaka Institute of Technology (OIT), Japan, in a significant international academic collaboration.
From 29 February to 6 March 2024, twelve delegates from OIT led by Professor Dr. Muraoka Masahiro, together with ten students and Miss Kitagawa Ayumi, an officer at the OIT International Centre, engaged with students from PPTI for a week-long programme brimming with educational and cultural activities.
The initiative, titled "Global Harmony: Sustainable Future, Cultural Roots," was aimed at merging academic knowledge with cultural insights across the divisions at PPTI: Bioprocess Technology, Food Technology, Bioresource Technology and Environmental Technology.
Participants were immersed in a curriculum that addressed pressing global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the traditional fermentation process of foods such as ‘tapai’.
The programme also highlighted sustainable practices, including the use of waste as raw materials and bio composting.
Beyond academic pursuits, OIT students were introduced to Malay culture, engaging in "Joget," a traditional dance, and visiting Masjid Al-Malik Khalid for a deeper understanding of Islam and the Muslim community.
Dr. Noreen Suliani Mat Nanyan, the project coordinator, commented on the success of the program, saying that, "The interaction between the students from USM and OIT has exceeded our expectations. It's been truly inspiring to see how quickly they embraced each other's cultures and knowledge.
"The enthusiastic participation in both the academic and cultural segments of the programme underscores the importance of such international exchanges in fostering global harmony and sustainable futures. We look forward to more such enriching experiences," she added.
Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many underscoring the educational and cultural richness of the programme. The hands-on activities and interactive sessions were particularly commended for their engaging and informative nature.
Topics like AMR and sustainability were found to be intellectually stimulating and relevant. The cultural exchange aspects, especially learning the traditional dance and visiting the mosque, were praised for promoting understanding and appreciation among the students.
The collaborative effort between USM and OIT is hailed as a resounding success, contributing significantly to cross-cultural dialogue, academic enrichment, and the forging of lasting international connections.
Text: Japareng Lalung (PPTI USM)/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin
PENANG, 12 June 2024 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Communication recently organised the ‘Digitalization of Penang Entrepreneurs (D.O.P.E)’ programme, as part of the YBP230 Corporate Social Responsibility coursework.
This initiative, under the guidance of Professor Dr. Jamilah Hj Ahmad and Dr. Suriati Saad, was held at the MBPP Makerspace in Balik Pulau, Penang.
D.O.P.E aims to equip small business owners, especially in Penang, with digital knowledge by up-skilling workshops to adapt to the digital era.
The event was launched by Dato’ Seri Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza, Chairman of the Bumiputera Foundation, Penang.
In his opening speech, he emphasised the importance of a deep understanding of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He further said, "Mastery of these technologies is key to ensuring businesses remain competitive, thereby contributing to the country's continuous and sustainable economic growth."
The event continued with business digitalization sharing sessions by Tan Gaik Tong and Chu Boon, whom were invited by Digital Penang to give the talk.
There were also activities focused on brand positioning entitled “Positioning for Success,” personally conducted by USM students. This session focused on online branding to help these small business owners refine their brand identities, set strategic goals, and develop content suited to their target audiences.
Several small and medium enterprises (SMEs) joined in the programme, namely Saji Warisan Enterprise, Body Secret Home SPA, Kick Coffee, M.E.N.U Tomyam, Gerak Dinamik Enterprise, and Spin Chicken Rice USM.
“I had a great time sharing our stories and picking up new knowledge. I look forward to participate in more programmes by USM in the future,” said Saliyana Shuhaidah from M.E.N.U Tomyam.
According to Jamilah, the programme was held to allow students to connect with the community and the industry, by understanding the needs and provide benefits that will be sustainable in nature for the target audience.
“Additionally, the CSR course has the objective of equipping students with the ability to relate the social needs of the community or target public with that of the organisation (Corporate or NGO),” she said.
In conducting CSR effectively, the D.O.P.E event highlighted the importance of community efforts to support local businesses and promote economic growth through digital innovation.
By helping entrepreneurs with digital skills, USM students are hoping to create a stronger business environment among the SMEs in Penang.
Source text & photo: Dr. Suriati Saad, School of Communication, USM/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin
USM PENANG, 17 April 2024 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed today welcomed a distinguished delegation from Suzhou City University (SZCU) and Asia China Education and Culture Association (ACEC), led by SZCU President, Professor Dr. Zhao Zhihong.
The purpose of the visit was for SZCU to introduce their Visiting Expert Programme and share insights into their ongoing industry-education integration project, as well as to announce the launch of the SZCU-USM Global Study Centre.
Since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2023, both institutions have cultivated a robust and fruitful relationship.
Abdul Rahman expressed his delight at the visit, citing it as yet another milestone in the journey of mutual cooperation and friendship.
He emphasised the potential for such partnerships to elevate academic and research excellence, foster cultural understanding, and drive societal development.
“I am confident that the discussions and interactions between our institutions will then lead to new and impactful collaborations,” he said.
He added by saying that USM has always been committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive academic environment, and together, both parties can continue to make a positive impact on the students, institutions, and communities.
Zhao Zhihong underscored the shared responsibility of SZCU and USM as significant research and educational entities in their respective nations.
He outlined plans to actively promote projects such as student exchanges and industry-university research cooperation, particularly focusing on areas like the digital economy and green development.
In aligning with these aspirations, ACEC Regional Executive Director, Yang Cheng Cheng, expressed hope for increased collaboration, emphasizing the importance of expert exchanges from USM.
Following these remarks, the meeting proceeded with a focused discussion on future collaborations. Representatives from various schools and departments exchanged insights, highlighting their respective strengths and proposing strategies to bolster the partnership.
Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Exercising the Function of USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and International, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab; deans and principal officers of USM, SZCU and ACEC.
Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa
