GEORGE TOWN, 20 March 2026 – The Tautan Kasih Ramadan programme with children in the Paediatric Ward of Penang General Hospital (Penang GH) was held recently, continuing a long-standing community engagement initiative led by the Centre for Drug Research (CDR), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

Now in its 15th year, the programme has established itself as a high-impact university–community engagement platform, reinforcing humanitarian values through meaningful outreach.

This annual initiative focuses on children undergoing medical treatment who are unable to celebrate Aidilfitri with their families, offering them care, joy, and a sense of togetherness during the holy month of Ramadan.

Elaborating on the foundation and continuity of the programme, a researcher at CDR, Associate Professor Dr. Darshan Singh Mahinder Singh stated: “This collaboration has been ongoing for about 15 to 16 years. We have worked closely with Penang GH, particularly during the month of Ramadan, to celebrate Hari Raya with children who are unable to return home.”

Darshan explained, “The programme functions as an institutional social intervention that prioritises the emotional well-being of paediatric patients through psychosocial support.”

“At the same time, it integrates values of empathy and volunteerism among university members, in line with the university’s broader commitment to extending its societal role beyond academic boundaries.”

He further emphasised that community engagement is an institutional responsibility: “As a university, we must engage with the community and set a good example. That is why this programme has been sustained consistently.”

He added, “The initiative is implemented inclusively, without regard to ethnic or religious background. This approach reflects the demographic reality of the paediatric ward, which comprises patients from diverse communities.”

In this context, the celebration of Aidilfitri is positioned as a platform for fostering social cohesion and mutual cultural appreciation, thereby reinforcing shared humanitarian values within a multicultural setting.

Also present were Director of CDR, Professor Dr. Vikneswaran Murugaiyah, along with the centre’s staff.

For the 2026 edition, the programme was conducted on a more modest scale due to certain constraints, with elements such as festive performances and clown entertainment omitted.

Nevertheless, its core components were maintained through the distribution of goody bags containing festive treats and duit raya to the children. In addition, hospital staff were presented with food hampers in recognition of their continued service and commitment.

According to Darshan, the programme stemmed from an initiative conceptualised in 2007 during his joint appointment at CDR. The idea came to fruition three years later, while he was pursuing his doctoral studies there.

He underscored that the programme is not rooted solely in religious identity, but rather grounded in humanitarian principles and social inclusivity reflective of Malaysia’s societal structure.

The naming of “Tautan Kasih” (Bond of Compassion) is understood as a reflection of lived experiences within the hospital environment, including the evolving life trajectories of patients and staff.

The concept emphasises the importance of human connection, empathy, and the appreciation of life, particularly within the healthcare context.

Institutional support during the early stages of the programme was further strengthened through the involvement of former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Industry and Community Network of USM, Dato’ Dr. Susie See Ching Mey, who provided strategic guidance in terms of technical coordination and resource networking.

The sustained collaboration between USM and Penang Hospital over the past 15 to 16 years reflects a well-integrated partnership between academia and the public healthcare sector.

The hospital has also expressed its appreciation for USM’s continued commitment, particularly in engaging with paediatric patients at Ward C123 throughout the Ramadan period.

This collaboration is regarded as significant in supporting patient well-being while strengthening institutional ties.

Looking ahead, the organisers anticipate broader participation from industry partners as well as various academic schools within USM to further enhance the programme’s implementation.

This direction aligns with the objective of expanding its impact and extending its reach to a wider community.

In discussing future development, Penang Hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Linda, highlighted that the programme is undergoing revitalisation in the wake of the pandemic, with plans to broaden collaborative initiatives.

She said, “We are now back on track, and insya-Allah, next year we aim to introduce more activities. We will also work closely with industry partners and various schools within USM to further strengthen this programme.”

Overall, the Tautan Kasih Ramadan programme exemplifies a structured model of university engagement that systematically integrates humanitarian values, cultural diversity, and social responsibility.

Beyond its immediate benefits to recipients, the programme also enriches the wider discourse on how higher education institutions can foster a more inclusive, empathetic, and resilient society.

Text: Privinkumar Jayavanan/Photo: Afimie Baharit, Intern@ USM