CGSS USM BECOMES AN INTERNATIONAL PLATFORM FOR SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION THROUGH AGROPONICS AND KELULUT PROGRAMS

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, 3 April 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to strengthen its role as a leader in Sustainability when the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) successfully organized a One-day Knowledge-Sharing Programme on agroponic cultivation and stingless bee honey production. This programme is a strategic initiative by CGSS USM in collaboration with Tulting Future international students, with a total of 40 participants from various countries. Their participation reflects a strong interest in green technology approaches and sustainable agricultural practices, which are becoming increasingly important in addressing today’s global challenges.

The programme began with a welcoming speech by Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Wira Mohd Shafiei, Director of CGSS, USM. He emphasized that sustainability education extends beyond academic knowledge and serves as a fundamental pillar in shaping future generations to be more responsible towards the environment and global well-being. The knowledge-sharing session was then continued by Dr Mohd Sayuti Hassan and Mr Muhamad Hamzah Abdul Hamid.

Both experts delivered insightful sharing on agroponic cultivation technology and the stingless bee honey industry, including its potential benefits to humans and its connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The session further highlighted CGSS USM’s strong commitment to empowering the sustainability agenda in line with the university’s vision to make an impact on society.

The interactive session encouraged active participation and raised questions among the Tulting Future participants, demonstrating their keen interest and active engagement throughout the programme. The discussion made the knowledge-sharing session more meaningful and highly impactful. Participants were also introduced to a hands-on learning experience at the CGSS ECOHub, with the guidance of ECOHub advisor, Dr Mohd Sayuti Hassan. The participants were also introduced to the concept of modern agroponic cultivation, which utilizes solar energy as the main power source for the plant irrigation system.

Their learning experience also involved exploration at the CGSS ECOHub, which is a sustainably managed reserved forest within the USM campus. This activity broadened participants' awareness on the importance of conserving natural ecosystems. In addition, participants were also introduced to the operations of the stingless bee honey house, which includes the techniques of maintaining and producing high-quality honey that are carried out systematically and ethically.

The programme successfully achieved its objectives and had a significant impact on the Tulting Future participants. The participants gained new knowledge and returned with valuable experiences in understanding and appreciating the practical application of innovative sustainable agricultural technology under the guidance of CGSS USM.

SDG 4, SDG 7, SDG 12 & SDG 13

Original Text/Photo: Syafiq Saifullah Azmi/Translation: Chm Dr. Rohanizah Abdul Rahim