USM PENANG, 1 June 2026 – Students and representatives from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) once again demonstrated their commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement through active participation in the Trip 4 Trees Mangrove Planting Programme held at the Hutan Paya Laut (Petak Arboretum) in Balik Pulau.

The large-scale environmental conservation programme held on 17 May 2026, successfully brought together a total of 357 volunteers from USM, JKS Voltsvan, Penguin Solutions, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and local communities.

The collaborative efforts under the Trip 4 Trees initiative were coordinated by Associate Professor Dr. Ng Theam Foo, Coordinator of the Environmental Protection and Education Hub (EPEHub) and Deputy Director of the USM Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), together with Dr. Mohd Sukri Shafie, Advisor of the Green Ambassadors (GA) and Senior Research Officer at the USM Centre for Education and Training in Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency & Green Technology (CETREE).

The execution of the event was supported by the dedicated efforts of CGSS intern from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Hong Kheng Jhun; Main Coordinator of Green Ambassadors, Then Min Han; and other committed student volunteers.

Reflecting the university community’s growing involvement in sustainability initiatives, major contributors to the programme included volunteers and student representatives from USM, particularly the GA, EPEHub@CGSS, and Tilting Futures (TF).

Specifically, the GA and USM student participants comprised 58 individuals, accompanied by Dr. Ng and Dr. Sukri.

Adding an international dimension to the climate action programme, 30 international students from the Take Action Lab under the TF programme participated alongside two TF coordinators, Hector Gomes de Sousa and Aufa Hanis.

The international students hailed from diverse countries including the United States of America, Panama, Peru, Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Egypt, Pakistan, Bhutan, Russia, Nepal, and others.

The volunteers worked collectively to rehabilitate and preserve Penang’s coastal ecosystem through mangrove restoration activities.

Emphasising the ecological significance of the initiative, Dr. Ng reminded participants, especially USM students, that the mangrove ecosystem plays a crucial role in carbon absorption and sequestration, serving as a vital blue carbon contributor in combating climate change.

The mangrove planting programme was officiated by the Mayor of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Dato’ Ir. Rajendran P. Anthony, who attended as the guest of honour and participated in the symbolic mangrove planting ceremony.

In his address, Rajendran emphasised that planting programmes are not merely greening activities but a manifestation of collective commitment towards ensuring environmental sustainability for the well-being of future generations.

He noted that from 2020 until April 2026, MBPP successfully planted a total of 540,783 trees across Penang Island.

Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of mangrove ecosystems as natural barriers that help reduce coastal erosion, protect marine biodiversity, and function as effective carbon sinks. This aligns with the aspirations of a low-carbon city and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A total of 13,750 mangrove saplings were successfully planted during the programme through the collective efforts of all participating volunteers.

Of these, 10,000 saplings were contributed by MBPP through its Landscape Department, while 3,750 saplings were contributed by strategic corporate partner Penguin Solutions, strengthening coastal resilience and environmental sustainability in Penang Island.

Despite rainy weather, participants remained highly enthusiastic and committed, working together across the muddy coastal area to plant saplings while learning about the ecological importance of mangrove ecosystems.

The successful implementation of the programme further demonstrates the vital role of universities and youth communities in supporting environmental conservation efforts and promoting a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Text & Photo: Hong Kheng Jhun & Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ng Theam Foo, Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), USM/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe