PENANG, 18 May 2026 — COMM@ Love In Transit 2026 (COMM@LiT 2026) marked its third consecutive year of collaboration with 'Pusat Transit Harapan Pulau Pinang', with continued support from Service-Learning Malaysia–University for Society (SULAM-USM).

Driven by the theme “Social Responsibility, Empowering Lives,” the two-phase initiative was established as a long-term University Social Responsibility (USR) project aimed at fostering sustainable community development through continuous engagement and empowerment.

The first phase of COMM@LiT 2026 was successfully implemented on 16 May 2026 by second-year students from the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Communication, under the guidance of Project Advisor, Professor Dr. Jamilah Hj Ahmad.

In the opening remarks, the Undergraduate Programme Chairperson and SULAM Coordinator of the USM School of Communication, Dr. Suriati Saad, emphasised that COMM@LiT 2026 extends beyond short-term outreach efforts by equipping communities with practical knowledge, sustainable skills, and opportunities for active participation that would promote empowerment and contribute towards long-term social well-being.

She said, “The efforts are aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 Zero Hunger, SDG 3 Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 Climate Action, and SDG 17 Partnership for Goals.”

“COMM@LiT 2026 Phase One introduced a series of sustainability-focused initiatives designed to encourage environmental awareness, health education, and community participation.

“Activities conducted included composting, eco-enzyme and urban farming workshops, recycling initiatives, community clean-up activities, and dental health awareness programmes.

“Approximately 60 residents from ‘Pusat Transit Harapan Pulau Pinang’ participated actively throughout the programme, reflecting positive community engagement and encouraging support towards sustainable living practices introduced during the initiative,” she added.  

The success of COMM@LiT 2026 Phase One was further strengthened through the contribution of invited experts and speakers from various institutions, including the USM School of Industrial Technology, Centre for Policy Research, School of Biological Sciences, and the Children’s Dental Centre & Ministry of Health Training Institute (Dental), Georgetown, Pulau Pinang.

Following the successful implementation of its first phase, COMM@LiT 2026 will continue on 6 June 2026 with activities centred on arts for mental well-being, health screening initiatives, and an environmental awareness-format explore race, further reinforcing the programme’s commitment towards holistic and sustainable community development.

Text: Vicky Tan Wei Qi, Project Director COMM@LiT 2026, School of Communication, USM/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin