USM PENANG, 2 October 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with SEAMEO Biotrop, successfully hosted the Southeast Asia Sustainable Environmental Leadership Programme 2025 (SEASEL’25) from 15–19 September 2025.

The programme brought together 44 student leaders from across Southeast Asia to address pressing issues in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.

Organised by Desasiswa Cahaya Gemilang Harapan (CGH) with support from the School of Biological Sciences and Desasiswa Saujana, SEASEL’25 adopted a project-based learning approach.

Participants engaged in lectures, field excursions, expert-led discussions, and collaborative group projects designed to foster experiential learning and regional cooperation.

The programme was officially launched by USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab.

Students from Malaysian institutions including Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UniTEN), and University of Malaya–Wales (UM-Wales) joined international peers from Thailand, Iran, India, Pakistan, and China.

Under the theme “Environmental Leadership and Sustainable Biodiversity,” SEASEL’25 featured keynote sessions by distinguished speakers from SEAMEO Biotrop, Kasetsart University (Thailand), SEAMEO SEARCA, and USM.

These sessions offered critical insights into sustainability practices, leadership in biodiversity conservation, and opportunities for cross-border collaboration.

SEASEL’25 achieved its mission of enhancing participants’ knowledge, leadership competencies, and digital communication skills.

The programme also fostered lasting academic and professional networks, empowering students to become environmentally conscious leaders across Southeast Asia.

Text: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darlina Md. Naim, School of Biological Sciences, USM/ Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe