Skip to main content
External Engagement & Partnerships

Engage with USM

Discover opportunities to connect and collaborate with Universiti Sains Malaysia through strategic industry partnerships, community engagement, alumni networks and collaborative initiatives that drive innovation, empower communities and create meaningful impact.

01 / Industry Network

Industry & Strategic Partnerships

Connecting the University's expertise, research capabilities and resources with industry needs through strategic partnerships, collaborative research and meaningful engagement.

Industry and university representatives collaborating
Industry Network Office

Bridging Academia and Industry

The Industry Network Office serves as a central point of contact between USM and industry, strengthening partnerships that support the University's development, research, education and community engagement.

Visit Industry Network Office ↗

Key Functions of the Industry Network Office

The Office supports industry engagement through seven key functions.

01

One-Stop Referral Centre

Serves as a one-stop referral centre for industry partners seeking to engage with the University.

02

Connecting Resources

Connects the University's resources with industry needs.

03

Strengthening Industry Linkages

Strengthens engagement at state, national, regional and international levels.

04

Strategic Partnerships

Cultivates and implements partnerships involving government agencies, universities and industry partners.

05

Industry Expertise

Engages industry experts to contribute to the University's development and transformation.

06

Staff and Student Engagement

Supports staff and students in pursuing industry engagement and collaborative scholarly activities.

07 / Corporate Social Responsibility

Nurturing CSR Collaborations

Nurtures collaborative efforts in corporate social responsibility (CSR) between the University and industry.


Research Collaboration

USM–Industry Research Matching Grant

The Higher Education Plan 2025–2035 highlights innovation, graduate employability and stronger strategic links between academia and industry.

In alignment with these priorities, USM's Division of Industry and Community Network (BJIM) works to align the University's knowledge, expertise, facilities and resources with industry needs and aspirations.

The USM–Industry Research Matching Grant facilitates collaborative research through the exchange of innovative ideas, research findings, experience and technical expertise. It aims to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges and contribute to national and global progress.

Researchers working together in a laboratory

Industry & Community Advisory

Industry/Community Advisory Panel (ICAP)

ICAP strengthens working relationships between USM's Schools and Centres, industry partners, companies and local communities. It provides a platform for meaningful dialogue among academic staff, senior and technical executives from the private sector, and community leaders.

The panel helps ensure that University's knowledge, teaching and research remain relevant to stakeholder needs and real-world challenges.

Key Areas of Discussion

  • Curriculum and training programmes
  • Industry and community expectations and the relevance of academic programmes
  • Best practices in industry engagement
  • Practical approaches to addressing contemporary challenges
  • Collaboration in teaching and learning, consultancy, continuing education, research and development, the sharing of facilities, and joint community programmes
02 / Community Network

Community Engagement

Building meaningful partnerships with communities to address societal challenges, encourage volunteerism and create sustainable, people-centred impact.

Volunteers working together in a community programme
USM Community Network Office

Community Partnerships with Purpose

Guided by the spirit of COMPASSION, the USM Community Network Office serves as a one-stop referral centre that facilitates collaboration between the University and the wider community.

The Office promotes awareness and a practical understanding of community engagement, while fostering a culture of volunteerism that extends beyond the University.

It also plans, implements, monitors and evaluates programmes and flagship initiatives focused on empowering disadvantaged and marginalised communities, co-creating socio-economic solutions and improving their quality of life.

These efforts align with the USM APEX agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Explore COMPASSION ↗

The Guiding Framework

COMPASSION

A framework used to capture and evaluate the impact of community programmes conducted by USM staff, incorporating the perspectives of MyRA, the SDGs and the USM APEX agenda.

“COMPASSION is a guiding framework for capturing and evaluating the impact of community programmes conducted by USM staff. It encompasses the perspectives of MyRA, the SDGs and the USM APEX agenda.”

— USM Community Network Office, BJIM

Vision

Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Mission

USM is a pioneering, transdisciplinary research-intensive university that empowers future talent and enables the bottom billion to transform their socio-economic well-being.

Community Impact

Seven COMPASSION Key Focus Areas

Community programmes are organised around seven key focus areas.

01

Digital Literacy & Tech Inclusion

Digital literacy and technological inclusion for vulnerable groups.

02

Community Agro-Food

Community agro-food and micro-farming initiatives.

03

Health & Mental Wellness

Health and mental wellness outreach programmes.

04

Environment & Sustainability

Environmental protection and sustainability initiatives.

05

Inclusive Education

Inclusive education and learning support for diverse communities.

06

Heritage, Language & Culture

The preservation of local heritage, language and culture.

07

Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy

Community empowerment through entrepreneurship and financial literacy.


Regional Network

Asia-Pacific University–Community Engagement Network (APUCEN)

APUCEN is a regional network of higher education institutions committed to proactive, inclusive, holistic and participatory university–community engagement across the Asia-Pacific region.

The network promotes mutually beneficial partnerships through which universities and communities exchange knowledge, address social, economic, cultural and environmental concerns, and work together to improve the quality of life.

Volunteerism is central to APUCEN's approach, creating opportunities for academics, students and communities to share perspectives, co-create knowledge and identify community needs. The network also emphasises local wisdom and solutions that reflect regional cultures and values.

Community members participating in a collaborative activity
03 / Alumni Network

Alumni Relations

Cultivating lifelong relationships with USM alumni to strengthen engagement and encourage support for the University.

University alumni gathering
Our Mission

A Community Connected for Life

To cultivate lifelong relationships with alumni, strengthen engagement and encourage continued support for the University.


Our Vision
  • Instil a sense of “Saya Sayang USM” (I Love USM) among current students and alumni.
  • Strengthen connections between alumni and their alma mater.
  • Encourage alumni to contribute through philanthropy, professional expertise and volunteerism in support of USM.
Alumni Management Platform

WeLead System

WeLead is a comprehensive alumni management platform that collects, maintains and updates USM alumni data and profiles. Maintaining accurate and accessible information supports alumni engagement and helps the University communicate its programmes, events, initiatives and opportunities.

Update Your Alumni Profile ↗
Alumni Achievements

Alumni Success Stories

Discover the achievements of four distinguished USM alumni featured in the University's alumni success stories.

Portrait placeholder for Tun Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam
Alumni 01

Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam

Politician

Position:
7th Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Melaka

Qualification:
Bachelor of Social Sciences

Convocation Year: 1984

Portrait placeholder for Dato' Sri Diraja Haji Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail
Alumni 02

YAB Dato' Sri Diraja Haji Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail

Politician

Position:
Chief Minister of Pahang

Qualification:
Bachelor of Social Sciences

Convocation Year: 1995

Portrait placeholder for Chow Kon Yeow
Alumni 03

Yang Amat Berhormat Tuan Chow Kon Yeow

Politician

Position:
Chief Minister of Penang

Qualification:
Bachelor of Social Sciences

Convocation Year: 1984

Portrait placeholder for Dato' Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor
Alumni 04

YAB Dato' Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor

Politician

Position:
Chief Minister of Kedah

Qualification:
Bachelor of Social Sciences

Convocation Year: 1998

Explore the Alumni Network

More Alumni Resources

04 / Work With USM

Collaboration Opportunities

USM offers opportunities for collaboration with industry partners, academic institutions and community organisations in research, international mobility and sustainable development.

Academic and industry partners discussing a collaborative project
01 / Research

Industry & Academic Research Collaborations

Develop practical research and learning partnerships among USM, industry partners and academic experts.


Final Year Project (FYP) Partnerships

Companies can propose real-world project topics for final-year students, including projects through the School of Computer Sciences. These projects involve joint supervision by industry professionals and academic staff, while academic assessment remains the responsibility of USM.

Research Grants & Schemes

  • CREST Grant Scheme: Joint industry–academia research addressing key technological challenges and national priorities, including partnerships involving USM, Infineon and CREST.
  • Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP): Facilitates the transfer of academic knowledge, research findings and innovation to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  • Industry-Funded & Contract Research: Corporate-sponsored and collaborative research programmes coordinated through relevant Academic Schools, including the School of Industrial Technology.

Industry in the Classroom

Industry practitioners share insights into workplace expectations and real-world professional experiences directly with students.

02 / Global Connections

International Mobility & Academic Exchanges

Opportunities for international academic collaboration, student mobility and cross-border research.


Global Partner Network

USM collaborates with approximately 190 partner universities worldwide through the USM International Office (formerly IMCC).

Mobility Programmes

  • Inbound and outbound student exchange programmes
  • Research attachments
  • Summer courses
  • Internships

Transnational Education & Diplomatic Engagements

USM hosts international diplomatic and academic engagement sessions to develop collaborative postgraduate pathways and strengthen cross-border research partnerships.

03 / Sustainability

Community & Government Partnerships

Partnerships that support sustainable development, community empowerment and practical solutions to real-world challenges.


SDG & Policy Frameworks

USM collaborates with regional NGOs, local authorities and government agencies, including MBPP, KPKT, Urbanice Malaysia and LADA in Langkawi, in areas such as:

  • Sustainable urban planning
  • Green building materials
  • Coastal management strategies

Community Empowerment & Outreach

Initiatives include student-led volunteering programmes such as Giving Hope to the Homeless and community-based technology camps such as CodeMaven, involving industry mentors from Intel STEM and Telebort.

Let's Work Together

Explore the Right Partnership for Your Organisation

USM's collaboration opportunities encompass research, education, international exchange and community initiatives. Explore the relevant USM channels to identify the most appropriate point of contact for collaboration.

View Contact Channels ↓
05 / Get in Touch

Contact & Engagement Channels

Connect with the relevant USM office for general enquiries, media relations, admissions, campus matters and administrative services.

General & Media Inquiries

Student Admissions & Academic Services

Key Campus & Department Hotlines

Contact the relevant campus or department through the details listed below.

Need More Information?

USM Telephone Hotline Directory

For other administrative offices and contact details, refer to the USM Telephone Hotline Directory.

Directory link to be added.
Back to Menu