PENANG, 23 June 2025 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Construction Project Management (CPM) programme, under the School of Housing, Building, and Planning (HBP) recently organised the University Corporate Social Responsibility (UCSR) project led by Associate Professor Dr. Radzi Ismail.

This community-based programme is a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing the learning environment of SK Jalan Residensi, Georgetown, Penang.

The project involves second-year students and lecturers in the Construction Project Management group from the HBP; one non-governmental organisation (NGO) from Persatuan Kontraktor Melayu Malaysia (PKMM); two government agencies from Contractor Service Centre (PKK) and Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM); and a primary school, Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Residensi (SKJR).

The UCSR project focuses on hydroponics, herbaponics, landscapes, murals, and classroom painting to promote sustainable awareness and creativity among pupils.

Guided by the slogan “UCSR: Towards a Sustainable Future”, this initiative reflects a strong commitment to the University-Corporate Social Responsibility (UCSR) initiative, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education (SDG4), sustainable communities (SDG11), and partnerships for shared goals (SDG17).

This impactful event saw active involvement from several key parties.

The USM students and lecturers contributed by designing and improving the landscape area, painting two classrooms, creating creative murals on multiple walls, assisting contractors in landscape planting activities, and planting various herbs in the school’s Taman Herba.

Additionally, they proposed hydroponic ideas for future use, supporting the school’s vision for green and self-sustaining food sources.

One of the main contributors to the project’s success was PKMM (Persatuan Kontraktor Melayu Malaysia).

Their team took on the most physically demanding tasks by undertaking small-scale renovation works in the garden area, repairing pathways, and enhancing the overall landscape design to make the space more functional and aesthetically pleasing.

PKMM also provided technical expertise and on-ground manpower, ensuring that the garden transformation was of high quality and durability.

Their hard work benefited the school and provided an excellent learning opportunity for the students, as they were able to witness professional construction techniques being applied in a real-life setting.

The event was further supported by ABM (Akademi Binaan Malaysia), who played a role as trainers by sharing proper painting and landscaping techniques with the USM students and contractors, ensuring that the painting and landscaping works met industry standards.

PKK (Pusat Khidmat Kontraktor) served as an important bridge, coordinating and connecting USM with other agencies and stakeholders, enabling smooth collaboration among the different bodies.

Meanwhile, SKJR itself generously contributed by preparing tools, equipment, and meals for all volunteers, creating a warm and supportive environment for the day’s activities.

This community service programme not only enhanced the facilities and learning environment at SKJR, but also reinforced the importance of cross-sector cooperation in achieving sustainability goals.

The involvement of academic institutions, industry professionals, government bodies, and the local school community reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility, paving the way for more initiatives that would benefit both people and the planet.

Text & Photos: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Radzi Ismail, HBP USM/ Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin