USM PENANG, 26 February 2025 – The Environmental Protection and Education Hub (EPEHub@CGSS), through the Green Ambassadors successfully organised a seminar on mediation in collaboration with Advance Dispute Resolution Centre (ADRC) at the Seminar Hall, Level 1, Toray Building, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

The event held on 22 January 2025 aimed to educate students on the importance of mediation as an alternative to litigation in resolving conflicts efficiently.

The title of the seminar forum was “The Role of Mediation in Effective ESG Leadership”.

The programme started with the welcoming address by the representative for Director of Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), USM, Associate Professor Dr. Ng Theam Foo.

He emphasised that the communities in USM, not only staff but also students should start to cultivate the culture of using mediation in different aspects of their life to solve dispute or conflict especially for those who are involved in leadership roles.

The programme featured a total of 12 distinguished speakers, including the renowned Dato’ T. Tharumarajah. He shared his expertise on mediation techniques and the significance of ADRC in legal and professional settings.

His speech emphasised the growing need for certified mediators in various industries, including business, law, and governance, to ensure there will be fair and amicable dispute resolutions.

The esteemed guest speakers shared their experiences and provided their perspectives regarding the impact of mediation in different sectors.

They highlighted how mediation fosters better communication, reduces legal costs, and promotes long-term solutions rather than adversarial outcomes.

Among the esteemed guests present were Datuk Yong Soo Heong (President, Malaysian Press Institute, MPI); Ng Choon Chuan (CEO, ADRC); Dr. Zul Zakiyuddin Ahmad Rashid (Chair, Construction Industry Law Centre); Cheah Chuan Wooi (Dell APJ Regional Senior Manager); and Lee Wing Onn (Customs Deputy Director, retired) among others.

A key highlight of the seminar was a special presentation by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI). The session focused on promoting the role of MPI in media integrity, responsible journalism, and ethical reporting.

The presenters elaborated on the importance of accurate and unbiased media coverage, particularly when reporting on legal disputes and mediation cases. Also present as observer is the Dean of USM School of Communication, Associate Professor Dr. Bahiyah Omar.

The event provided the staff and students with an opportunity to gain practical insights from experts, reinforcing the value of mediation as an essential tool in conflict resolution.

The engaging discussions and real-world case studies presented during the seminar further enriched the understanding and its applications to the USM communities.

By the end of the session, the attendees left with a deeper appreciation for the role of mediation in fostering harmony and fairness in society.

The Green Ambassadors’ initiative in organising such an informative event was well-received, marking another step towards equipping students with essential knowledge for their future careers.

Source text & photos: Suvitra A/P Ganasan & Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ng Theam Foo, Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) USM/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin