Collaborative Climate Action Plan shared with Schools and Communities

Universiti Sains Malaysia has a university Climate Action Plan, shared with local government and local community groups, through the Sustainability Policy (Revised 2024) and the USM Sustainability Action Plan (2024). Together, these frameworks set out the University’s commitment to address climate risks through education, research, and partnership. Section 6.6 of the Policy highlights USM’s leadership in promoting climate resilience by collaborating with public agencies, schools, and community organisations to strengthen collective environmental awareness and action.

In May 2024, the Centre for Education and Training in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CETREE) and the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) extended this framework through a collaborative programme at SMK Convent Taiping. The session, titled Bahaya Plastik Sekali Guna, involved over 550 students and teachers in interactive activities on the impacts of single-use plastics. The event translated USM’s policy principles into hands-on community learning on sustainable consumption and waste reduction.

Another engagement in May 2024 at SMJK Perempuan Perak, Ipoh, featured the Upcycling Plastic and Say No to Single-Use campaign. The initiative combined creative competitions with sustainability talks, guiding students to apply the concepts of reuse and resource efficiency in their daily practices. Dialogue with the school administration reinforced continued collaboration under USM’s shared climate framework.

In July 2024, CETREE and CGSS worked with SMK St Michael, Ipoh, on the 5R and Zero Plastic Awareness Campaign. The programme united school leaders, local education officers, alumni, and students to promote sustainable waste management and environmental responsibility. These initiatives show how USM’s Climate Action Plan is actively shared with local communities, demonstrating the University’s commitment to integrating sustainability education and climate resilience into public engagement across Malaysia.