USM PENANG, 4 September 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) successfully hosted the 6th USM-International Conference on Social Sciences (USM-ICOSS 2025) recently at the Eastin Hotel, Penang.

Held on 19 August 2025 under the theme “Transforming Lives Through Social Innovation and Sustainability”, the conference convened scholars, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to address urgent global challenges including climate change, digital transformation, public health crises, and social inequalities.

Organised by USM’s School of Social Sciences, the event served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, scholarly debate, and cross-disciplinary collaboration aimed at advancing innovative and sustainable solutions for society.

The conference explored a broad spectrum of sub-themes such as navigating the digital space; health and wellbeing; diversity and inclusion; politics and foreign policy; and global uncertainties.

Through presentations and discussions, participants examined the intersection of social sciences with real-world applications, emphasising the importance of socially equitable and culturally inclusive sustainability initiatives.

A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Prof. Tpr. Dr. Ho Chin Siong, a renowned expert in urban sustainability, who presented “Leveraging Social Innovation for Science-Based Climate Action Toward Carbon Neutrality in Malaysian Cities.”

His insights reinforced the pivotal role of social sciences in shaping inclusive and sustainable urban futures.

The conference was chaired by Associate Professor Dr. Paramjit Singh Jamir Singh, Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation and Industry-Community Engagement, with Associate Professor Dr. Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan, Dean of the School, serving as Advisor.

A distinguished committee of leading academics and researchers from USM supported the event.

USM-ICOSS 2025 marked a significant milestone in strengthening USM’s position as a regional hub for social sciences research and dialogue.

It also provided opportunities for publication in indexed journals and fostered both regional and international academic collaboration.

The conference drew over 100 participants from 10 countries, featuring more than 60 working papers, with 25 presenters joining online and over 30 attending in person.

The event reaffirmed USM’s commitment to promoting human well-being through innovative, inclusive, and sustainable approaches that are future-oriented and socially impactful.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: School of Social Sciences USM