PENANG, 24 September 2014 – During the second Asia-Pacific University-Community Engagement Network (APUCEN) 2014 Summit which concluded yesterday, its members added another seven points to the original 12-point resolution passed during the 2011 Summit.

This hinted Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman to call on APUCEN members during the closing ceremony to engage the private sector that comprises companies and corporations to tap on their resources and expertise.

“One of the ways is to invite those from the private sector which has Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to APUCEN meetings,” said Omar who is also the President of APUCEN.

He also called on APUCEN members to pursue in the integration of Local Wisdom into scientific knowledge.

“There are areas of knowledge in Local Wisdom that scientists can learn just as what knowledge we can impart to the community,” he said. “It is a two-way exchange of knowledge that can benefit all.”

Knowledge is dynamic and hence it can be shared between APUCEN members so that those in the network are able to learn from one another.

The triennial APUCEN Summit 2014 was attended by 85 representatives from 11 universities and the representatives included Vice-Chancellors, Rectors and Presidents of the local and foreign institutions.

APUCEN strives to promote networking and collaborative efforts among universities, NGOs, corporations and other relevant stakeholders to achieve a common goal for community transformation.

The seven resolutions of the 2^nd APUCEN Summit 2014 are as follows:

In a spirit of compassion for all humanity and with a commitment to serve the community, APUCEN hereby resolves to:

1. Engage with private sector (companies & corporations) to tap on their resources & expertise by inviting companies and corporations who have Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) initiatives to join APUCEN as corporate members.
2. Promote community engagement initiatives online.
3. Integrate community engagement into academic curriculum.
4. Integrate local wisdom with scientific knowledge into community engagement.
5. Encourage the transfer of knowledge between APUCEN members.
6. Encourage higher education institutions to plan and embark on financial planning for community engagement initiatives.
7. Encourage higher education institutions to embark on community engagement for nation building.

 

- Text: Yong Check Yoon & Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa