USM PENANG, 3 September 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), has renewed and enhanced its strategic partnership with Tzu Chi Malaysia by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) recently.

This new agreement, signed on 29 July 2025, builds upon the initial MoA signed in November 2021.

The signing ceremony was held at the CGSS Conference Room, USM, and witnessed by representatives from both organisations.

The MoA aims to strengthen collaborative efforts in environmental sustainability education, carbon emission awareness, sustainable living practices, and community volunteerism.

The event commenced with an opening speech by the Director of CGSS, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Wira Mohd Shafiei representing the Vice-Chancellor of USM. This was followed by a speech from the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Tzu Chi Malaysia, Dato’ Simon Wong.

In his speech, Wira expressed gratitude to Tzu Chi for its unwavering support and guidance in implementing the EPEHub@CGSS projects both within and beyond the campus.

He also highlighted the cultivation of volunteerism among USM students, known as Green Ambassadors, whose efforts have been greatly enriched by Tzu Chi’s involvement.

Echoing these sentiments, Simon Wong emphasised the importance of collaboration, partnership, and teamwork in realising the objectives of the MoA.

He expressed heartfelt appreciation to all Tzu Chi members, EPEHub@CGSS teams, and Green Ambassadors for their dedication and enthusiasm in driving impactful environmental sustainability initiatives and contributing to a better future.

This collaboration will serve as a platform for the Environmental Protection and Education Hub (EPEHub) to lead educational and activity-based environmental initiatives.

These include recycling campaigns, workshops, the e-sports PaGamO game, community outreach programmes, and more — all championed by USM’s Green Ambassadors and volunteers.

Key objectives of the agreement include:

• Raising awareness on carbon management and sustainability through the 5R approach (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle);
• Promoting environmental volunteerism;
• Advocating the value of turning waste into resources;
• Supporting underprivileged (B40) communities;
• Strengthening initiatives aligned with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Tzu Chi will also provide mentorship, training, and support to enhance the capacity of USM volunteers and community members involved in these initiatives.

The partnership is expected to inspire long-term transformation within the campus and surrounding communities, setting a benchmark for impactful university–NGO collaborations in promoting environmental awareness and education.

Among the distinguished guests present were Lee Suat Eng (Head of Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth Association); Richard Tan (Head of Tzu Chi – PaGamO Volunteer); Lim Wei Ying (Coordinator of Tzu Chi-GA Collegiate Youth); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ng Theam Foo (Deputy Director of CGSS); Dr. Mohd Sukri Shafie (Advisor of Green Ambassadors); and Wan Sharipahmira Mohd Zain (Assistant Registrar of CGSS).

Source Text & Photos: Wan Sharipahmira Mohd Zain & Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ng Theam Foo, CGSS USM/ Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe