PENANG, 14 October 2024 – A total of 15 students from various secondary schools in Penang have been selected for an education trip to Japan under the Innovative Hybrid Education & International Experience Programme (HEIEP) 2024 initiated by USAINS Group and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

The group from underprivileged B40 families would be spending a week at various places in Japan, mainly in schools and universities, where they learn about the cultures and participate in educational programmes related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

This initiative aims to transform middle and high school education by combining hybrid learning with immersive international experiences.

In a recent statement, the USM Board of Governors Chairman, Dato’ Seri Dr. Awang Adek Hussin said, “I am proud to describe the collaboration between USAINS and USM as exemplary and essential for the selected B40 students from Penang schools.”

“I commend USAINS for its significant role in promoting ESG practices, particularly in education, accessibility, and equity, which foster social responsibility, support inclusivity, and ensure fairness in opportunities.

“I truly hope this initiative becomes an annual event, and I urge all stakeholders to join in collective funding efforts for the future. Programmes like this are invaluable; they serve as vital catalysts for motivation among our students, teachers, and administrators from the selected schools,” said Awang Adek.

Meanwhile USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed added, “This initiative not only emphasizes the importance of STEM education but also serves as a motivational boost for students, inspiring them to pursue higher education and explore careers in STEM.”

He added, “By engaging with international peers and participating in cultural exchanges, students will gain essential cross-cultural experiences that empower them to become responsible, informed global citizens, ready to excel in an increasingly competitive world.”

USAINS Managing Director, Farid Wajidi Mat Yusoff said, the programme embodies unwavering commitment to democratising access to quality education.

"By focusing on underrepresented communities, we aim to ignite a passion for learning and innovation in the next generation of leaders.

"Our dedicated staff has worked tirelessly to ensure the programme's success, and we extend our deepest gratitude to our industry partners for their invaluable support in bringing this transformative initiative to life," he said, when met at the Penang International Airport after sending the students off.

Through HEIEP 2024, students will engage in a transformative journey that goes beyond traditional classroom learning, providing critical opportunities for academic and personal development.

This week-long programme is packed with educational activities, social interactions, cultural experiences, and the exchange of ideas with Japanese counterparts.

A key feature of the programme is the partnership with Japan's Setsunan University and Keiko High School, giving students from Malaysia's B40 community their first-ever overseas travel experience.

The students departed from the Penang International Airport today and will return on 20 October 2024.

The Head of Education, USAINS Holding Sdn. Bhd. and Project Leader of HEIEP 2024 programme, Associate Professor Dr. Shaik Abdul Malik Mohamed Ismail was also at the airport to send the students off.

HEIEP 2024 is designed to bridge the educational gap by providing underprivileged students with opportunities for academic growth, exposure to global advancements, and a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

Source: USAINS Media Release/Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Shamil Shazwan Abu Bakar