CGSS,USM AND CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABILITY & CAPACITY BUILDING (CSCB/PULESTARI), SABAH PARKS STRENGTHEN STRATEGIC COLLABORATION IN SDG REPORTING AND SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT
UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA (USM), PENANG, 26 September 2026 – The Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), continues to strengthen its role in advancing sustainability education and knowledge exchange through the Executive Training Programme on Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) Reporting and Framework Development, held in collaboration with a delegation from Centre for Sustainability & Capacity Building (CSCB/PULESTARI), Sabah Parks from 22 to 25 September 2026.
The programme served as a platform for knowledge sharing between CGSS and Centre for Sustainability & Capacity Building (CSCB/PULESTARI), , Sabah Parks to strengthen organisational understanding and capacity in translating commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into structured reporting frameworks, impact measurement and actionable sustainability initiatives. The collaboration also provided opportunities for both institutions to exchange experiences and best practices in integrating sustainability principles into organisational governance and natural resource management.
Drawing on CGSS’s expertise in sustainability education, research and framework development, the programme focused on strengthening participants’ technical capabilities in SDG reporting, including data identification, indicator setting, materiality assessment, impact measurement and action plan development. This structured approach supports organisations in identifying sustainability priorities aligned with their respective functions and responsibilities, while establishing a more systematic basis for monitoring progress and evaluating the effectiveness of their initiatives.
The CGSS delegation was led by its Director, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Wira Mohd Shafiei, together with Deputy Director Associate Professor Dr. Ng Theam Foo; Honorary Associate Professor Dr. Hj. Mohd Sayuti Hassan, SDG Training Programme Coordinator; Dr. Suzyrman Sibly, MSDP Coordinator; and Dr. Mohd Sukri Shafie, Senior Chief Research Officer at CETREE, CGSS.
Centre for Sustainability & Capacity Building (CSCB/PULESTARI), Sabah Parks delegation was led by Mr. Ludi Apin, Chief Sustainability Officer, accompanied by six officers representing administration and finance, capacity development, sustainability, sustainable tourism, information management systems and administrative support.
The programme commenced with a welcoming address by Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Wira Mohd Shafiei, who expressed his appreciation for the Centre for Sustainability & Capacity Building (CSCB/PULESTARI), Sabah Parks delegation’s participation in the training programme at USM. His address underscored CGSS’s commitment to providing a platform for learning and professional knowledge exchange to support organisations in advancing their respective sustainability agendas. Mr. Ludi Apin also conveyed his appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to participate in a programme focused on strengthening SDG reporting capabilities.
Throughout the programme, participants attended six core modules covering the SDG reporting landscape, reporting frameworks and target alignment, materiality assessment and SDG prioritisation, SDG data identification and governance, impact measurement and baseline metrics, as well as report structuring, visual design and data storytelling. The modules were delivered by CGSS experts, combining strategic perspectives with technical knowledge in sustainability reporting. Through structured learning sessions and discussions, participants explored the importance of developing data-driven reports supported by clear indicators that demonstrate an organisation’s contributions towards relevant SDG targets.
For Centre for Sustainability & Capacity Building (CSCB/PULESTARI), Sabah Parks, this approach provided an opportunity to explore systematic methods of information management and sustainability performance measurement relevant to park management, biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism. At the same time, CGSS benefited from engaging with an organisation directly involved in managing natural areas, further enriching its knowledge-sharing initiatives and approaches to sustainability education. Interactive question-and-answer sessions and discussions formed an integral part of the programme, enabling both parties to exchange perspectives on sustainability implementation challenges, the importance of reliable data and the role of impact measurement in supporting informed planning and continuous improvement.
The programme was further enriched by a visit to EcoHub@CGSS, which introduced the Centre for Sustainability & Capacity Building (CSCB/PULESTARI), Sabah Parks delegation to USM’s sustainability learning and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Led by Honorary Associate Professor Dr. Hj. Mohd Sayuti Hassan, Adviser to EcoHub@CGSS, the visit included an introduction to the site, stingless bee farming activities and the diversity of tree species found within the area. A knowledge-sharing session with Mr. Paul Imbun, Assistant Park Manager (Sustainable Tourism), also provided an opportunity to exchange experiences in natural area management and nature-based tourism. The discussion offered valuable perspectives for exploring how relevant practices and experiences from Centre for Sustainability & Capacity Building (CSCB/PULESTARI), Sabah Parks could inform future sustainability education, research and management initiatives at EcoHub@CGSS.
The delegation also visited the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, where they were welcomed by Dato’ Cheok Lay Leng, General Manager of the Penang Hill Corporation. The visit provided insights into the history, distinctive features and management of Penang Hill, particularly its biodiversity, natural heritage and nature-based tourism offerings.
The visit also introduced the delegation to various facilities and attractions, including the funicular railway, The Habitat, treetop canopy walk and nature trails, as well as Tropical Spice Garden and Penang Butterfly Garden. These experiences provided further opportunities to explore approaches to biodiversity conservation, environmental education and sustainable tourism management, while encouraging the exchange of perspectives on practices relevant to protected area management in Sabah. The programme concluded with a commemorative photography session, the exchange of information and the presentation of souvenirs, symbolising the appreciation and professional ties established between the participating institutions.
Overall, the programme reflects the potential of collaboration between CGSS and Centre for Sustainability & Capacity Building (CSCB/PULESTARI), Sabah Parks in strengthening SDG implementation through capacity building, knowledge exchange and experiential learning. By combining technical training with field-based exposure, the initiative broadened participants’ understanding of sustainability reporting and highlighted the importance of linking data, impact measurement and organisational action.
The collaboration is expected to provide a foundation for continued strategic engagement between the two institutions, particularly in strengthening SDG reporting practices, biodiversity management and sustainable tourism. Through complementary expertise and sustained knowledge exchange, CGSS and Centre for Sustainability & Capacity Building (CSCB/PULESTARI), Sabah Parks can contribute towards more effective sustainability management and support Malaysia’s broader commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
SDGs: 4, 15, 16 & 17
Text by / Photos by: Syafiq Saifullah Azmi