CGSS WELCOMES THE NEW COHORT OF INTERNATIONAL APPRENTICES UNDER TILTING FUTURES

UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA (USM), Penang, 9th July 2026 - The Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) proudly welcomed the third cohort of international apprentices participating in the Tilting Futures: Take Action Lab – Environment & Sustainability programme. The arrival of this new cohort (36 student apprentices) marks another significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between USM and Tilting Futures which further strengthens the university's commitment to fostering global partnerships and advancing sustainability education. There are ten international apprentices in this cohort who are attached under CGSS from a diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, representing countries across the world. Throughout their apprenticeship at CGSS, the participants will gain practical experience in sustainability initiatives, research, education and community engagement while working alongside academic staff, researchers and professionals dedicated in promoting sustainability.

The apprentices have been assigned to various divisions within CGSS based on their interests and the programme's objectives. The Environmental Protection and Education Hub (EPEHub) welcomed two apprentices from Nigeria and Pakistan where they will be involved in projects related to environmental conservation, sustainability awareness and community engagement. Meanwhile, the Centre for Education & Training in Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency & Green Technology (CETREE) welcomed two apprentices from India and South Sudan while the Master in Sustainable Development Practice (MSDP) division also welcomed two apprentices representing Pakistan and India. The remaining four apprentices joined EcoHub, representing Africa, the Netherlands, Cameroon and Uruguay. Their apprenticeship will provide valuable exposure to interdisciplinary approaches in sustainability and activities that support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The apprentices were introduced to their respective supervisors by the Director of CGSS, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Wira Mohd Shafiei. In his speech, he encouraged the apprentices to engage together with their respective supervisors to explore and gain valuable knowledge and experiences related to sustainability and SDGs during the attachments. The supervision of the apprentices will be under Associate Professor Dr. Ng Theam Foo with EPEHub, Dr. Haji Mohd Sayuti Hassan with EcoHub, Dr. Suzyrman Sibly with MSDP and Dr. Mohd Sukri Shafie with CETREE.

The Tilting Futures apprenticeship programme offers participants a unique opportunity to develop practical skills, broaden their global perspectives and collaborate with sustainability practitioners in addressing real-world environmental and social challenges. Through experiential learning and cross-cultural collaboration, apprentices are encouraged to become future leaders capable of driving positive change within their respective communities and beyond.

The continued collaboration between Tilting Futures and CGSS reflects Universiti Sains Malaysia's unwavering commitment in providing quality education that embraces sustainability, diversity, and international engagement. By welcoming participants from different parts of the world, USM continues to strengthen its role as a leading institution in advancing the SDGs through education, research and community partnerships. Finally, CGSS extends its warmest welcome to all the apprentices who will be starting their apprenticeship this week and wishes them a rewarding, enriching and successful apprenticeship experience. It is hoped that their time at USM will not only enhance their academic and professional development but also inspire lasting collaborations and meaningful contributions towards building a more sustainable future for all.

SDGs: 4 & 17

Original Text / Photo: Hong Kheng Jhun / Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ng Theam Foo
Photo : Syafiq Saifulla Azmi