USM PENANG, 6 July 2025 – The fourth Green Ambassadors’ Appreciation Night was held recently at the Seminar Hall, Level 1, TORAY-USM Building, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), to honour the outstanding contributions of the Green Ambassadors (GA) volunteer team.

Organised by the Environmental Protection and Education Hub (EPEHub) under the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), USM, the event celebrated the dedication, commitment, and service of the Green Ambassadors in promoting environmental awareness and advancing sustainability initiatives both on campus and in the wider community.

The event also acknowledged the close collaboration with the Tzu-Chi Society and the Tzu-Chi Collegiate Youth Association of Penang, Malaysia, whose support has been instrumental in driving impactful environmental education and outreach activities.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Honorary Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Sayuti Hassan, representing the Director of CGSS; Coordinator of EPEHub, Associate Professor Dr. Ng Theam Foo; and Advisor to the Green Ambassadors, Dr. Mohd Sukri Mohd Shafie.

Also present as a guest of honour was Mr. EK Siow, Commissioner of the Tzu-Chi Society, Penang, representing one of the event’s key partner organisations.

The evening served not only as a gesture of appreciation but also as a reaffirmation of USM’s commitment to cultivating environmental leadership, fostering volunteerism, and strengthening strategic partnerships for sustainability.

The ceremony commenced with an address by Sayuti, who extended his congratulations to the Green Ambassadors for their outstanding contributions to environmental protection and sustainability.

He commended their initiatives, which have extended beyond the USM main campus and positively impacted the broader Penang community.

In his speech, Sayuti also reflected on the urgent environmental challenges facing society today and emphasised the critical role of collective community action in fostering meaningful and lasting change.

Echoing this sentiment, Ng also delivered a speech in which he expressed his sincere appreciation to the Green Ambassadors and Tzu-Chi volunteers for their unwavering support and commitment.

He commended their tireless efforts in raising environmental awareness and enhancing the impact of EPEHub’s programmes, both within the university and throughout the wider community.

Meanwhile, Sukri congratulated the members for their meaningful contributions and the positive impact they have made through various environmental initiatives.

He commended their passion, leadership, and commitment in championing sustainability practices across the university and in the surrounding communities.

Sukri also highlighted the importance of continuity and growth in volunteer-driven programmes, expressing his hope that the Green Ambassadors would remain steadfast in their efforts and continue to be role models in promoting environmental stewardship for future generations.

He emphasised that their actions, no matter how small, play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable and responsible society.

Coordinator of the Tzu-Chi Youth Collegiate Association Penang, Lim Wei Ying  expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with EPEHub and the Green Ambassadors.

She reflected on the shared commitment to promoting sustainable lifestyle practices and highlighted the fulfilment that comes from witnessing their collective efforts create a tangible, positive impact in the community.

Lim also expressed her satisfaction in being part of a movement that fosters meaningful, long-term change towards a more sustainable future.

 

In similar spirit, the Main Coordinator of the Green Ambassadors, Anis Maisarah expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the team’s dedication, resilience, and collaborative spirit in driving a range of sustainability initiatives.

She highlighted the growth of the Green Ambassadors into a vibrant and passionate community committed to environmental advocacy.

Anis also encouraged her fellow members to continue leading by example and to inspire others to embrace greener, more responsible lifestyles for the benefit of future generations.

Sharing a complementary perspective, Head of the Mediation Department and a member of the Green Ambassadors, Amber Wang Zi Yan shared her personal journey of being part of the team.

She reflected on the challenges and triumphs they experienced together, noting how the team’s resilience and unity enabled them to overcome obstacles and deliver meaningful impact.

Amber also expressed her hope that the campus community would continue to uphold and strengthen its commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the efforts made today pave the way for a greener future.

As a gesture of appreciation, Green Ambassadors members were presented with certificates and tokens of recognition for their valuable contributions.

The evening concluded with a reminder of their shared mission to continue raising awareness on environmental protection and to inspire long-lasting change, ensuring that future generations can thrive in a sustainable and more conscious world.

Source Text & Photos: Anis Maisarah Mohd Muhaimi, Dr. Mohd Sukri Shafie & Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ng Theam Foo, CGSS, USM/ Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe