PENANG, 20 July 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its Graduate School of Business (GSB), recently formalised a strategic collaboration with Dexcom Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the social innovation initiative, “The Sugar Smart Community Changemakers”.

In representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab said, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to translating research, innovation, education, and industry expertise into meaningful community impact.

She noted this initiative focuses on promoting diabetes awareness and prevention by empowering university students to design and implement innovative community-based health solutions.

The six-month programme will involve 40 students from USM and UiTM who will undergo innovation training, bootcamps, mentoring by academic and industry experts, community project implementation, and a final innovation showcase.

Beyond technical knowledge, participants will develop leadership, teamwork, communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills essential for the future workforce.

The partnership combines Dexcom Malaysia’s expertise in diabetes care with the academic strengths of USM and UiTM, together with the innovation ecosystem of Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia, creating a sustainable model for industry-academia-community collaboration.

Habibah also expressed her confidence that the MoU will serve as a catalyst for impactful research collaborations, student development, social innovation, and long-term partnerships that would contribute to healthier and more resilient communities.

Held at Dexcom’s plant in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan on 16 July, the MoU signing ceremony was also attended by the Vice President of Dexcom Malaysia, Sayron Ruiz; Human Resource Director of Dexcom Malaysia, Thiagarajan Veeran; Deputy Dean, Academic Affairs, UiTM, Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Norin Zamiah Kassim Shaari; Director of Industry, Community and Alumni Network, UiTM, Ts. Dr. Safari Zainal; Chief Executive Officer of YIM, Dr. Sharmila Mohamed Salleh; Vice President of YIM, Mohamad Latife Shamsuddin; and Dean of GSB, USM, Associate Professor Dr. Fathyah Hashim. 

Text: Dr. Kavigtha Mohan Kumar, Graduate School of Business (GSB), USM/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe