Collaborative Relationships with Regional NGOs and Government for SDG Policy Development

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.

Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Development: USM’S Role in Regional NGO and Government Collaborations for SDG Policy and Coastal Conservation

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has actively strengthened relationships with regional NGOs and the government through its direct involvement in SDG policy development. The university’s collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) during the October 2023 workshop focused on coastal and marine protection linked to the Blue Economy. The workshop aligned with SDG 14: Life Below Water, providing a platform for experts to identify problems and challenges in marine conservation, develop policy recommendations, and suggest sustainable strategies for tourism. This initiative also supported national policies like Malaysia’s National Tourism Policy (2020-2030), emphasizing USM's role in shaping policies that address critical environmental issues.

Furthermore, USM's partnership with the Advance Dispute Resolution Centre (ADRC) highlights its contributions to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, which promote alignment with SDG-related policies. By launching the ESG Pioneer Award in collaboration with ADRC, USM not only recognized organizations integrating sustainable practices but also encouraged businesses to adopt models that drive socioeconomic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability. Through events like the 3rd International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (ICSDG2023), USM continues to engage regional NGOs and governments in developing strategies for SDG challenges, monitoring interventions, and promoting adaptive management across multiple sectors.

FREE Public Access to All Significant Builidings

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) provides free public access to its significant buildings and natural heritage landscapes of cultural significance, welcoming everyone to experience its rich cultural and historical heritage. Established in 1969 as Malaysia's second university, USM relocated in 1971 from its temporary premises at the Malayan Teachers Training College to a 416.6-hectare site in Minden, Penang. This move marked a significant milestone, connecting the university's roots to a new home, surrounded by the natural beauty of hills, terrains, and valleys.

The USM campus uniquely combines natural landscapes with historical architecture, embodying a fusion of nature and culture. Formerly a British Military Camp called Minden Barracks, the campus carries a legacy dating back to the 1930s. Its name honors the 1759 Battle of Minden, adding a layer of historical depth to the university’s identity. Through this integration, USM stands as a bridge between past and present, allowing future generations to explore and appreciate its cultural significance.

FREE Public Access to Museums and Galleries

The heritage buildings, monuments, and natural landscapes within the USM campus serve as a living testament to its rich history and cultural significance. These elements have been thoughtfully preserved and celebrated, beautifully captured in the pages of the 'University in A Garden' book. USM provides free public access to all significant buildings, museums, exhibition spaces, and galleries, inviting everyone to partake in the story of its evolution and appreciate the enduring value of its cultural heritage. Refer to the map for the locations of all significant buildings across the campus, as well as access to art and artifacts. Below are some notable spaces where visitors can immerse themselves in USM's artistic and cultural offerings, including Galeri Adiwarna, Dewan Budaya, Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah, and Galeri Arkeologi.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Galeri Arkeologi 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 Galeri Arkeologi 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.

FREE Public Access to Libraries Resources

Universiti Sains Malaysia's commitment to providing automatic FREE public access to its library resources including books and publications through the Krisalis Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) exemplifies its dedication to spreading knowledge far and wide. By 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.

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), 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 various types of books and publications. The 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 automatic free 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, thought-provoking insights from magazines, and unique perspectives found in local publications. Unearth the past, grasp the present, and shape the future through these repositories of wisdom and innovation.