Empowering Communities through NGO Collaboration: USM’s Commitment to SDG Action and Education

Universiti Sains Malaysia continues to expand its impact on sustainable development by partnering with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) through student outreach, applied research, and the co-creation of learning resources. These initiatives reflect USM’s enduring commitment to collaboration with NGOs for SDGs, actively working to collaborate with NGOs to tackle the SDGs through student volunteering programmes, research programmes, and the development of educational resources that generate tangible community and environmental benefits.

Through the Giving Hope to the Homeless initiative, USM students collaborated with local NGOs to support the urban homeless community. The programme combined direct volunteer assistance, public awareness campaigns, and empathy-based education, enabling youth to participate in student volunteering programmes that advance SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

In the field of research, the USM–CIMA–MBPP Green Cement Collaboration brought together academia, NGOs, and municipal partners to develop and test sustainable construction materials for marine environments. This research programme strengthens SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by translating laboratory innovation into real-world environmental protection solutions.

Meanwhile, USM RCE Penang spearheaded the development of educational resources by co-creating SDG-themed videos and storybooks with education partners. These materials, shared with SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan in Indonesia and schools in Malaysia, empower young learners to act as sustainability advocates and support SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Together, these collaborative efforts demonstrate USM’s holistic approach to sustainable development—integrating volunteerism, research excellence, and educational innovation through strong partnerships with NGOs to advance the SDGs locally and globally.