1. Office of Industry Network

USM has established official policies and protocols aimed at recognizing local stakeholders outside the university and actively involving them through the Industry and Community Network Division. The university is entrusted with the duty of sharing its expertise, knowledge, skills, resources, and facilities to address the needs of both the community and the business environment. Furthermore, USM's schools and centers have been encouraged to initiate projects involving collaboration between the university and the community for mutual benefit. Read more about our community engagament policy here

2. Community Advisory Panel (ICAP)

The establishment of Industry/Community Advisory Panels (ICAPs) within the various Academic Schools and Centers at USM aligns directly with the university's broader initiative to foster stronger partnerships with industries, businesses, and the local community. The introduction of ICAPs is both timely and valuable for enhancing both institutional and national competitiveness. ICAPs consist of carefully chosen academic staff, experienced executives from the private sector, and esteemed community leaders. These panels serve as a platform and function as a forum, addressing a range of topics, including but not limited to curriculum development, training programs, strategies for aligning with industry and community needs, best practices in industry engagement, and practical approaches to addressing current challenges and other matters relevant to all stakeholders involved. 

Policy- and lawmakers outreach and education

Regional Centre of Excellence (RCE) Penang represents a collaborative network comprising individuals, organizations, and collectives dedicated to fostering a more sustainable future through education and learning initiatives. Our network consists of partners from various sectors, including voluntary, public, educational, and business, all working collaboratively to conceive and execute innovative projects and programs focused on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) within Penang.

Sponsored by Universiti Sains Malaysia, RCE Penang is an integral part of a rapidly expanding global network of more than a hundred Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs). The global coordination hub for RCEs is situated at the United Nations University - Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo, Japan. This extensive network facilitates the exchange of local knowledge, expertise, and best practices on a global scale, enabling successful adaptation and implementation in diverse regions worldwide. Read More..

USM encompasses the various dimensions of collaboration and cooperation required to achieve 17 SDG goals through engagements and collaborations with regional non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government bodies to work towards shared SDG goals, highlighting regional contributions to sustainable development. Besides, USM provides a platform for dialogues and interactions between different sectors, industries, and stakeholders, discussing how cross-sectoral collaboration can be harnessed to drive SDG progress. USM participates in international collaboration on gathering or measuring data for the SDGs. USM is willing to collaborate with partners to identify, share, and implement best practices that contribute to the achievement of SDGs, underscoring the importance of knowledge sharing and cooperation.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 

Unlocking the Rich Tapestry of Cultural Heritage

In a world brimming with history, art, and knowledge, access is the key that unlocks the treasures of our shared cultural heritage. It is the bridge that connects the past to the present and paves the way for future generations to explore, learn, and appreciate the world around them. Universiti Sains Malaysia campuses offers and welcomes all to experience these heritage with us:

1. Embracing Our Cultural Heritage

Established as the second university in the country in 1969, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has a unique historical journey. Initially known as Universiti Pulau Pinang, in 1971, USM made a significant move from its temporary premises at the Malayan Teachers Training College, Bukit Gelugor, to the sprawling 416.6-hectare site at Minden, approximately 9.7 km from Georgetown. This transition marked a pivotal moment in the university's evolution, connecting its roots to a new home surrounded by the natural beauty of hills, terrains, and valleys, harmoniously juxtaposed with man-made structures.

2. The Fusion of Nature and Culture

The USM campus stands as a testament to the seamless integration of nature and culture. Its distinctive characteristic is heightened by the natural context of its hills, terrains, and valleys, which are harmoniously blended with man-made features such as buildings. Notably, the main campus was originally a British Military Camp constructed in the 1930s. The British named it the Minden Barracks in honor of The Battle of Minden in 1759, where the Allied Forces successfully drove the French from the battlefield during The Seven Years War. As a result, Minden, Penang, became a unique postal address for the USM campus, carrying with it a rich historical legacy.

3. Preserving Heritage: A Cultural Legacy

Heritage buildings, monuments, and natural landscapes within the USM campus are a living testament to its rich history and cultural significance. These elements have been thoughtfully preserved and celebrated, encapsulated beautifully in the pages of the "University in A Garden" book. By providing public access to these historical and natural treasures, USM invites everyone to partake in the story of its evolution and appreciate the enduring value of its cultural heritage. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recognizes the importance of cultural preservation and celebrates it through various institutions:

• Dewan Budaya: Established in 1994, Dewan Budaya is a cultural center dedicated to nurturing and promoting the activities of arts, culture, and heritage in Malaysia. This center celebrates the rich history, traditional roots, and contemporary expressions of Malaysian culture. Dewan Budaya collaborates with local and international communities, as well as students, to administer cultural activities, making it a vital hub for preserving heritage. The cultural programs range from traditional, modern, contemporary music, theater and dance.
• Galeri Adiwarna (School of the Arts): Galeri Adiwarna, housed within the School of the Arts at USM, is a sanctuary for artistic expression. It serves as a platform for artists to display their creativity and contributes to preserving cultural heritage through various art forms, both traditional and contemporary. This school stands as a testament to the importance of art and culture in heritage preservation. Galeri Adiwarna is where faculty, students, and invited artists can exhibit their talents, creating artworks that blend fine art and design. These art exhibitions and design showcases aim to inspire and nurture students' artistic interests and enrich the arts and culture at Universiti Sains Malaysia. The exhibitions are open to the public and admission is free.
• Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah: The Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah is a treasure trove of cultural heritage. It's a museum that encapsulates the history and artistic heritage of Malaysia. Through exhibitions and displays, it allows visitors to journey through time and gain a deeper appreciation of the cultural richness that defines the nation.
• Centre For Global Archaeological Research invites you to uncover the mysteries of the past through a captivating collection of artifacts from the renowned Sungai Batu Archaeological Site, one of Southeast Asia's oldest civilizations, and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Lenggong Valley. Delve into the rich history, culture, and discoveries of these ancient wonders, all conveniently accessible through our virtual museum. Embark on a fascinating journey through time with us and explore the treasures that await your curiosity.

These institutions collectively play a pivotal role in preserving Malaysia's cultural heritage. They not only celebrate the past but also nurture the present and inspire the future. By engaging with Dewan Budaya, Galeri Adiwarna, Muzium Galeri Tuanku Fauziah and Centre For Global Archaeological Research USM, individuals become active participants in the ongoing story of Malaysia's cultural legacy. These institutions invite you to explore, learn, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Malaysia's diverse cultural heritage.

In conclusion, USM's commitment to providing public access to its cultural heritage is a testament to its dedication to both education and the preservation of history. By opening its doors to the public, USM not only invites us to explore its storied past but also enriches our understanding of the broader cultural tapestry that shapes our world. As we walk through its historic buildings, among its monuments, and amidst its natural landscapes, we become part of a larger narrative, one that connects the past, present, and future in a vibrant tapestry of shared human experience.

Welcome to a vibrant showcase of artistic brilliance!

Our university's annual public performances are a celebration of talent and passion, featuring captivating renditions by our talented musicians, cultural artists, actors and gripping theatrical productions, and mesmerizing musical harmonies. In 2022, there were more than 100 performances whether they are one-time, ad-hoc or part of our ongoing cultural program, these performances are a testament to the artistic prowess thriving on our campus, and these exciting programs are powered by Dewan Budaya, School of the Arts, and Cultural societies under the supervision of the Student and Alumni Development Affairs. Join us in embracing the magic of the performing arts, where every show is a symphony of creativity and a testament to the spirit of our community.

Libraries, often referred to as the temples of learning, are the guardians of human thought and knowledge. They are not just repositories of books and publications; they are gateways to enlightenment. At Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the library services extend far beyond the conventional.

The Krisalis library system at USM opens up a world of knowledge to everyone. It provides comprehensive search services, making it accessible to all, including books and publications of various kinds. The Krisalis Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) serves as the central hub for printed and non-printed resources available across all USM libraries. It's a digital gateway to a treasure trove of information, allowing patrons to explore and locate a wide range of materials with ease.

In addition to the Krisalis OPAC, USM offers Krisalis Discovery, a cutting-edge search platform designed for journals and other publications. This powerful tool empowers users to delve into a vast ocean of academic and research content, providing access to the latest findings, scholarly articles, and invaluable resources.

Explore a treasure trove of knowledge! Dive into our captivating collection, where academic brilliance meets the pulse of society. Our resource centers and archives house an eclectic array of intellectual gems, ranging from groundbreaking theses and meticulously researched reports to the vibrant narratives of newspapers, the thought-provoking insights of magazines, and the unique perspectives found in local publications. Unearth the past, grasp the present, and shape the future through these repositories of wisdom and innovation.

In conclusion, Universiti Sains Malaysia's commitment to providing public access to its library resources through the Krisalis system exemplifies its dedication to spreading knowledge far and wide. In doing so, USM not only enriches the lives of its students and faculty but also extends the benefits of education and research to the broader community, enhancing our collective understanding and fostering a thirst for lifelong learning.