USM EMPOWERS INCLUSIVE EDUCATION FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS THROUGH STEM AND ESD PROJECT

On 5th July 2026, Sunday, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its University Sustainability Project initiative, successfully organized the STEM Integration for Advancing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) towards Quality and Inclusive Education programme, involving nearly 30 secondary school students from Wisma Yatim Pulau Pinang. 

The programme was a collaborative initiative involving several USM centres such as the National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN), SAINS@USM, the Analytical Biochemistry Research Centre (ABrC), the Centre for Chemical Biology (CCB), and Saujana Resident, in collaboration with the University Sustainability Office and the USM Industry and Community Network Division. The programme also received strong support from its community partner, the Penang Federation of Islamic Orphans Welfare Associations, and its industry partner, ViTrox Academy.

The programme aimed to expose participants to the significance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in everyday life, education, and sustainable development. The programme featured motivational sessions highlighting the importance of higher education and future career pathways, career-sharing sessions on STEM opportunities conducted by IPPTN, as well as laboratory visits organized by the Centre for Chemical Biology (CCB), where participants learned about the vital role of microorganisms in everyday life.

The participants took part in science demonstrations and interactive STEM activities conducted by ABrC, focusing on the importance of water and sustainable development. The programme also included an industry engagement session with ViTrox Academy, providing participants with valuable insights into the real-world applications of STEM, technological innovation, and future career opportunities through an interactive learning approach.

Through this initiative, USM aspires to inspire educational ambitions, cultivate greater interest in STEM, and enhance participants' understanding of the role of science and technology in supporting sustainable development. By fostering strategic collaboration among the university, industry, and the community, the project reflects USM's continued commitment to advancing the university's sustainability agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, while promoting social inclusion and expanding equitable access to quality education for all.