THA SALA, THAILAND, 14 October 2023 – Undergraduate and postgraduate students from the School of Distance Education (SDE), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) were thrilled to be selected as participants in the ‘Mobility Programme: Collaborative Actions for a Sustainable Tomorrow’ held in Walailak University (WU), Thailand from 9 to 13 October 2023.

According to one of the postgraduate participants, Yap Chee Yeong, the experience at the programme was incredibly enriching.

"The warm hospitality received upon arrival set a positive tone for the event and the focus on establishing a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration between USM and WU, especially in the context of the SDGs, highlights the importance of international cooperation for sustainable development," he added.

"Learning and experiencing the most successful projects like the ‘Crab Bank’ initiative and the ‘Nipah Farm’ project which produced various handicrafts products, demonstrates practical approaches to achieving SDG goals and supporting local sustainability efforts.

"These initiatives not only contribute to environmental conservation but also empower communities by providing them with resources to enhance their livelihoods," said the Ph.D Anthropology & Sociology candidate at SDE USM.

"Participating in the mobility programme at WU was a transformative experience for me, showcasing the power of sustainable development in unique ways,” said Management Undergraduate student Manmeet Kaur Gill.

She added that the uniqueness of the programme is in how the community and researchers came together from diverse backgrounds to promote the SDGs, as well as in preserving the cultural heritage and also in opening new economic opportunities for local artisans.

"This was a testament to the tangible impact that SDGs can have on local communities, by balancing economic growth with environmental preservation," added the third-year student majoring in Finance.

Through a variety of exploratory activities, this programme demonstrated the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and reaffirmed our commitment towards building a more sustainable and inclusive society.

The campus tour at WU provided valuable insights into the academic and cultural environment, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the host institution.

"I would like to thank the SDE USM especially Dr. Sumiyyah Sabar for choosing me to participate in the USM and WU Mobility Programme. 

The programme is very useful because it allows students to have a deeper understanding of the SDGs. We are impressed by the efforts made by USM in ensuring student involvement in the SDG activities," said Khairul Anwar Zulkifle, a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Political Science.

This programme aims to establish a diverse platform of sustainability engagement and knowledge exchange for WU and USM.

The 5-day programme offered a variety of areas for the staff and students to explore biodiversity in WU and its relation to the SDGs.

Compiled by: Nor Rafizah Haji Md Zain