THE WORLD MEETS AT USM: TILTING FUTURES STRENGTHENS GLOBAL COLLABORATION AND SUSTAINABILITY

USM, PULAU PINANG, 6 August 2026 – The Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with the International Office (IO), USM, organised the Tilting Futures – Take Action Lab in Malaysia: Environment & Sustainability Apprenticeship Programme 3rd Cohort (TALMY 3.0) Appreciation Ceremony to honour international participants who completed the month-long experiential placement programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Held from 6 July to 6 August 2026, the programme brought together 36 international students from countries including Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Morocco, Egypt, South Korea and several others. Throughout the placement, participants engaged in a wide range of academic, research, innovation, sustainability, and community engagement activities designed to strengthen their knowledge and practical experience in environmental sustainability.

The appreciation ceremony was attended by staff of CGSS and IO@USM who played key roles in the successful implementation of the programme. Among those present were Associate Professor Dr. Ng Theam Foo, Deputy Director of CGSS; Sr. Dr. Muneera Esa, Deputy Director (International Students), International Office (IO), USM; and Ms. Aufa Hanis Ab. Gani, Programme Coordinator of the TALMY 3.0.

In his welcoming address, Associate Professor Dr. Ng Theam Foo emphasised that internationalisation remains one of USM's key priorities in strengthening its global learning ecosystem. He noted that programmes such as Tilting Futures provide valuable opportunities for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and cultures while broadening participants' perspectives on the sustainability challenges faced by communities around the world. He further highlighted that participants' placements across various apprenticeships in Penang enabled them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings while developing essential leadership, communication, problem-solving, and cross-cultural collaboration skills required of future global leaders and strengthening the global networking.

Meanwhile, Sr. Dr. Muneera Esa remarked that the programme reflects USM's ongoing commitment to providing an inclusive, internationally oriented learning environment. She expressed her hope that the knowledge and experiences gained throughout the programme would contribute meaningfully to the participants' academic, professional, and personal development upon returning to their home countries.

Ms. Aufa Hanis Ab. Gani also extended her appreciation to CGSS and IO@USM for their unwavering commitment and collaboration throughout the programme. She described the success of TALMY 3.0 as the result of the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders working together to provide participants with a holistic learning experience.

Representing the participants, Abdelkader Ahmed Waleed Ibrahim Ali expressed his gratitude to USM for the opportunity to take part in the programme. He described his experience in Malaysia, particularly at Universiti Sains Malaysia, as truly meaningful, allowing him not only to learn about sustainable development practices and innovation but also to experience cultural diversity, build international friendships, and gain the confidence to contribute to community development initiatives in his home country.

The highlight of the ceremony was a montage showcasing memorable moments from the month-long programme. The presentation featured community and cultural activities, and other meaningful experiences that reflected the spirit of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and sustainability embraced by the international participants. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation, followed by a commemorative photography session and an appreciation luncheon held in a warm and convivial atmosphere. Beyond celebrating the participants' successful completion of the programme, the gathering also strengthened the friendships and professional networks established throughout their placement at USM.

The successful implementation of the TALMY 3.0 reflects USM's continued commitment to advancing its internationalisation agenda through experiential learning grounded in real-world practice. The programme also supports the university's aspiration to nurture globally competitive graduates who are critical thinkers with a strong awareness of environment & sustainability as well as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), further reinforcing USM's position as a leading university in education for sustainable development on the international stage.

SDGs: 4, 7, 12 & 13

Original Text / Photo : Syafiq Saifullah Azmi
Translation: Ashween Sonia Sani Murugesan