USM PENANG, 19 April 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering student voices by providing student representatives with the opportunity to participate in the People’s Budget 2027 Dialogue organised by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).

This participation provided students with a platform to gain a closer understanding of the budget planning and urban governance process, while also enabling them to voice their views and ideas on issues relating to the needs of the local community.

The initiative also reflects the active role of youth in state development planning efforts while strengthening communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills among university students.

During the session, the youth category budget presentation was represented by two USM students, namely Mohamad Nor Syazwan Zawawi (Northeast District Youth Council) and Farisha Adrina Mohd Shukri (Gabungan Anak Pulau Pinang/GAPP USM).

Among the proposals presented were initiatives to strengthen youth development through skills enhancement programmes such as language and digital skills classes, improvements to the public transportation system, the provision of more inclusive youth-friendly facilities, and addressing the shortage of parking spaces in public hotspot areas.

USM, through the Student Representative Council (MPP), will continue to support student participation in such strategic platforms to ensure that youth voices remain heard.

This commitment forms part of the university’s broader efforts to foster engagement and strengthen understanding of the state’s development process, paving the way towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Original Text & Photo: Gabungan Anak Pulau Pinang (GAPP) USM/Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin