Spearheading USM's commercialisation drive is the Centre for Innovation and Consultation (CIC). The CIC is given the responsibility of assisting USM's researchers to channel their scientific discoveries efficiently to relevant markets.

In line with USM's slogan - Ensuring A Sustainable Tomorrow - the CIC is determined to position USM's research as inventions with practical applications and social relevance and offering solutions for global issues. These objectives are carried out while partnerships are forged with pertinent industries who commercialise new discoveries.

USM has a steadfast commitment to education, lifelong learning, and societal impact. Its multifaceted mission focuses on advancing knowledge and cultivating graduates who are well-rounded, entrepreneurial, and prepared for a lifetime of continuous learning and service. This mission underscores USM's dedication to developing individuals capable of leading and serving on both a national and global scale.

USM aspires to be a pioneering, entrepreneurial, and globally influential university, achieved through innovative education, dynamic research, and active community engagement. This vision aligns with USM's commitment to providing education that transcends boundaries, preparing students to contribute to global solutions. Lifelong learning is central to USM's educational approach, promoting continuous skill acquisition and an entrepreneurial mindset among graduates.

Further supporting these goals, USM provides assistance for start-ups that promote a low-carbon economy and innovative, sustainable technologies, contributing to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. This initiative aligns with USM's Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP), empowering graduates and community members to engage in ventures that prioritize environmental and societal well-being. USM's emphasis on community engagement complements lifelong learning, empowering graduates to make positive societal impacts. Overall, USM's Mission and Vision revolve around holistic education, innovation, and community impact, ensuring its graduates continue to make lasting contributions to local and global communities.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING EVENTS FOR LIFELONG LEARNING IN SUSTAINABILITY OPEN TO PUBLIC

Vocational Training for Lifelong Learning in Sustainability: USM Public MOOC

Vocational Training for Lifelong Learning in Sustainability: USM PUBLIC MOOC  is one of the key program-based initiatives by Universiti Sains Malaysia aimed at promoting sustainable practices through continuous education. This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is specifically designed to provide vocational training that equips learners with practical skills and knowledge related to sustainability. Open to the public, this course aligns with USM’s mission of making education accessible to all, regardless of background or prior expertise. By focusing on sustainability, the MOOC enables individuals to not only enhance their professional capabilities but also to contribute to global efforts in environmental conservation, resource management, and green technology. Through this platform, USM continues to champion lifelong learning by offering flexible, accessible, and high-quality education that addresses real-world challenges in sustainability. 

The  MOOC on Sustainability: Issues, Challenges & Prospects, offered by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), is a key initiative that aligns with the university's commitment to lifelong learning and vocational training, making quality education on sustainable development accessible to the general public. This free, open-to-public course introduces the core concepts of sustainable development, focusing on how future generations can meet their own needs amid the complexities of globalization. 

The course fits within USM's broader efforts to provide vocational training events and executive education programs beyond its traditional academic offerings. These programs, which target individuals outside of the university's enrolled student body, emphasize practical skills and knowledge in sustainability, helping professionals and community members enhance their understanding of global challenges like environmental degradation, economic inequality, and social responsibility. 

By offering this MOOC, USM is supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) through: 

• Lifelong learning opportunities: The course empowers learners from diverse backgrounds to engage with sustainability topics, promoting continuous education beyond the confines of formal degree programs. 

• Public engagement: USM’s focus on sustainability-related issues in its MOOC reflects the university’s role as a community leader, educating the public on critical global challenges and fostering a culture of responsibility towards sustainable development. 

• Skills development: The vocational nature of this course equips participants with the knowledge and competencies needed to address real-world sustainability challenges in various sectors, such as business, government, and civil society. 

Overall, the MOOC on Sustainabilityenhances USM's outreach by offering educational resources that prepare learners to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development, ensuring that knowledge about sustainability is widespread and easily accessible. 

Promoting Lifelong Learning and Science for All: The STEM@USM Young WISE Ad-Hoc Program in Vocational Training and Public Education

The STEM@USM-Micron Young WISE program organized by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in partnership with Micron Memory Malaysia, promotes science for all by engaging young women in STEM fields through interactive and practical learning experiences. This ad-hoc program, designed as a form of vocational training, offers lifelong learning opportunities that encourage participants to apply STEM concepts creatively and collaboratively. Held at the university, the program is open to the general public, aiming to provide short, accessible courses that foster a hands-on understanding of STEM and inspire participants to consider future careers in these fields. This initiative reflects USM's commitment to extending vocational STEM education beyond traditional academic pathways, supporting a diverse approach to public science education.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning by making educational resources freely accessible to the public, extending its impact beyond enrolled students and supporting the local community's educational needs. USM’s commitment to broadening educational access is founded on its core principles of “Quality Education,” “Sustainability,” “Accessibility,” and “Learning for Life.” This dedication manifests in multiple offerings designed to reach a diverse audience and nurture a culture of continuous learning.

Here’s how USM fulfills its mission:

1. Free Courses Leading to Certificates or Awards
   USM offers a range of free online courses through MOOC@USM, accessible to the public and covering academic, professional, and general interest topics. Participants can earn certificates, supporting both skill enhancement and professional development. This initiative transforms traditional classroom learning into an open platform, making quality education accessible to all.
2. Free Access to Campus Facilities and Equipment
   To support the broader community, USM provides free access to on-campus facilities, including Wi-Fi, computer labs, and specialized equipment. These resources allow community members to utilize advanced technology and physical spaces for practical skill-building and research, encouraging local engagement in continuous learning.
3. Free Access to Online Resources
   USM’s library offers free access to its extensive collection of physical and digital resources, through the Krisalis Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) available both on-site and remotely through the library’s official website. The library’s resources include books, journals, and research databases, providing community members with the tools to pursue independent learning and remain informed across various fields.

Through these accessible resources, USM promotes an inclusive educational environment, empowering individuals to continue their learning journeys at every stage of life. This holistic approach aligns with USM’s mission to create a knowledge-based society that values education and lifelong learning.

USM is dedicated to fostering a deep commitment to Education for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout the university and beyond. This commitment to meaningful education encompasses various aspects include:

Education for SDGs Commitment to Meaningful Education

At USM, we are committed to providing a meaningful education centered around the SDGs, which is relevant and applicable to all students, integrated across the full curriculum. This commitment reflects our dedication to preparing the next generation to embrace sustainability in their lives and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs including Integrated Curriculum. We have integrated sustainability and the SDGs into the entire university curriculum, ensuring that all students, regardless of their field of study, receive education that fosters an understanding of and commitment to sustainable development. This approach instills a sense of responsibility for environmental, social, and economic well-being in all our graduates.

This is aligned with the USM Sustainability Policy. This policy is conceived and endorsed following a ‘whole system’ approach involving teaching, research, community engagement and institutional arrangement that make up USM’s major domains of focus. The major thrust of this policy is to mainstream sustainability into the core mission areas of USM to secure the future we want for all. 

Education for SDGs: Specific Courses on Sustainability

USM offers dedicated courses on sustainability that cater to various needs, including full degrees and elective courses. These courses are designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge and skills related to sustainability and the SDGs. Highlights include:

1. Full Degree Programs: We provide full-degree programs with a specific focus on sustainability and the SDGs. These programs are designed for students who wish to specialize in areas like environmental science, sustainable development, or green technology, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers that directly contribute to the SDGs.  

1. Masters in Sustainable Development Practice (MSDP) is a global multi and interdisciplinary graduate degree program that prepares students to better identify and address the challenges of sustainable development. 
2. Master Of Science (Sustainable Cities and Communities) Mixed Mode programme is aim to produce graduates who are able to appreciate and apply the integration of art-science (fusion) to address issues of management and governance of cities and sustainable communities in the context of sustainable development and management. 
3. A list of courses and programmes that offers learning and research in sustainability. 

2. Elective Courses: For students in a wide range of disciplines, we offer elective courses that allow them to explore sustainability and the SDGs in depth. These courses provide a flexible approach to education, enabling students to tailor their academic journeys to align with their interests and career aspirations. 

Education for SDGs in the Wider Community

USM's commitment to Education for SDGs extends beyond our campus, reaching out to the wider community. We believe in the importance of sharing knowledge, raising awareness, and engaging with alumni, local residents, and displaced people. Our outreach educational activities include:

1.  Alumni Engagement: We actively involve our alumni in sustainability initiatives and provide opportunities for them to stay connected with and contribute to our educational and research efforts focused on the SDGs.
2. Local Community Involvement: We organize educational activities that engage and benefit the local community, such as sustainability workshops, awareness campaigns, and community development projects. These initiatives empower local residents to embrace sustainable practices in their lives.
3. Support for Displaced People: Recognizing the significance of education, even in challenging circumstances, we extend our outreach to displaced people, providing educational opportunities and resources to support their well-being and future prospects.

At USM, Education for SDGs is not confined to the classroom but extends to every facet of our institution, empowering students and the wider community with the knowledge, skills, and commitment to make a positive impact on the world's most pressing sustainability challenges. We are dedicated to cultivating a generation that is well-equipped to drive meaningful change and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

Sustainable Literacy

To evaluate our students’ sustainability literacy, we utilize WSU 101: Sustainability Issues, Challenges, & Prospects, a foundational course that introduces key concepts in sustainable development. This course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and address the challenges that come with globalization and technological advancements. Through a curriculum that emphasizes the balance between a competitive economy, biodiversity preservation, and social integrity, students gain a holistic understanding of sustainable development principles and how they apply to real-world scenarios.

The course framework integrates various sustainable development models, including the Triple Sustainable Model, The Strong Sustainable Model, and The Mickey Mouse Model, to provide a comprehensive perspective on sustainability frameworks. By examining global case studies and real-world sustainable projects, students gain practical insights into sustainable practices and are encouraged to critically analyze issues and solutions from both local and international perspectives.

Measuring Literacy through Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
The course is structured to evaluate sustainability literacy through specific learning outcomes:

1. Communication Skills (CLO 1): Students demonstrate their understanding of sustainability topics through assignments and presentations, accounting for 30% of the assessment. Online discussions and in-class activities offer opportunities to articulate and debate sustainability concepts effectively.

2. Teamwork Skills (CLO 2): A significant portion (50%) of the course assessment focuses on students’ ability to collaborate in groups on sustainability projects, including reports, videos, and presentations. This group work encourages students to work together, apply sustainable practices, and critically reflect on project outcomes.

3. Moral and Ethical Values (CLO 3): The course also assesses students’ engagement with sustainability from a moral and ethical perspective. This includes both attendance and reflection reports, which help gauge their commitment to sustainability principles and ethical decision-making within the context of sustainable development (10%).

Reflective Practices to Enhance Retention
Reflection is a core component of the course, allowing students to connect theoretical concepts with personal values and real-world applications. By reflecting on their experiences and the moral implications of sustainable actions, students develop a deeper, more personal connection to sustainability, enhancing their long-term retention of these concepts.

Practical Application and Experiential Learning
Towards the end of the course, students participate in group-based sustainability projects, where they apply course knowledge to implement sustainable practices in a hands-on way. This experience encourages them to internalize sustainability principles and understand the real-world impact of sustainable practices. By integrating sustainability into various disciplines and fostering teamwork and communication skills, we ensure that our students are prepared to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.

This structured approach to sustainability literacy helps us evaluate and enhance students’ understanding of sustainability in a comprehensive and impactful way. As they progress through the course, students develop not only knowledge but also the skills and ethical perspectives needed to address sustainability challenges now and in the future.

Bottom Financial Quintile Student Support for Local and Low or Lower-middle Income Countries Student

At Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), we are committed to providing financial support and opportunities for local students and students from low or lower-middle income countries to pursue higher education. USM offers a variety of schemes and scholarships to alleviate the financial burden and help students focus on their academic and personal growth. These initiatives reflect our mission of promoting global education accessibility and encouraging students to achieve their highest potential. 

To support students from the bottom 20% of the household income group (B40 category), the Government of Malaysia has introduced various initiatives aimed at helping them complete their studies. These initiatives include both loans and scholarships specifically designed to aid students from low-income backgrounds.

The forms of loans and scholarships are as follows:

1. Graduate Student Financial Assistance (GRA-ASSIST)  

The program aims to support not only Malaysian students but also international students, particularly those from low or lower-middle income countries. It provides financial assistance schemes specifically designed to aid students from these backgrounds. Read More..

2. Postgraduate Conference Fund 

USM encourages postgraduate students to participate in conferences to present their research and network with other scholars. The Postgraduate Conference Fund provides financial assistance to cover travel, accommodation, and registration fees for both local and international conferences, helping students broaden their academic horizons. Read More..

3. Postgraduate Research Attachment (PGRA) 

The Postgraduate Research Attachment (PGRA) is a unique initiative aimed at supporting students who wish to gain valuable research experience in other academic institutions or research centers. This program provides funding to facilitate short-term attachments, enhancing the students’ research skills and expanding their professional networks. Read More..

4. Biasiswa Yeoh Fung Kee 

The Biasiswa Yeoh Fung Kee is a scholarship that provides financial aid to deserving students, particularly from lower-income backgrounds. This scholarship seeks to empower students to complete their studies without the worry of financial constraints, especially those from disadvantaged communities. Read More.. 

5. Gadang Scholarship 

The Gadang Scholarship is another generous financial support scheme that aims to assist students in need. By offering this scholarship, USM ensures that more students from low-income families can access quality education and continue their academic journey without interruption. Read More..  

6. Panasonic Scholarship 2023 

The 2023 Panasonic Scholarship offers financial support to students who have demonstrated both academic excellence and leadership qualities. This scholarship is particularly focused on students pursuing postgraduate degrees in fields related to technology and innovation, enabling them to contribute to the advancement of society. Read More.. 

7. Insentif Latihan Industri 

The Insentif Latihan Industri program provides financial support to students undertaking industrial training or internships as part of their academic requirements. This initiative helps students gain real-world experience without the added pressure of financial burdens during their internships. Read More..  

8. Bantuan Zakat Pusat Islam USM 

For students facing severe financial hardship, the Bantuan Zakat scheme from Pusat Islam USM offers crucial assistance. Zakat funds are distributed to eligible students to help cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs, ensuring that financial difficulties do not impede their academic success. Read More..

9. The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN)

The PTPTN Education Loan Scheme was established for the purpose of providing educational loans to students pursuing studies at local Higher Education Institutions (IPT). This education loan will allow students to finance all or part of their tuition fees and living expenses throughout their period of study. Read More..

10. Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) - Student Advance Loan

Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) offers a slew of merit-based and needs-based interest-free education loans each year.

Although there are some requirements that differ depending on the type of loan you apply for, generally, applicants from B40 and M40 families are prioritised, and prospective recipients must have at least one parent that is Malay or is of Bumiputera status. Read More..

11. SOCSO Education Loan

This education loan is awarded by Malaysia’s Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) to dependents of beneficiaries of the social security scheme.

The loan is for individuals studying at MQA-approved diploma or degree courses at public or private universities in Malaysia, as well as students studying Malaysian Proficiency Certificate (SKM) Level 1 to 3.

Loan amounts must not exceed RM100,000 (excluding sustenance allowance) and will only be given to individuals who have failed to obtain loans from other organisations and those who are financially incapable. The loan will include a service charge of 2% per annum on the total outstanding amount and the maximum period for repayment will be determined based on the loan amount allotted. Read More..

Through these schemes, USM continues its commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence, supporting students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams of higher education. We believe that education is a powerful tool to uplift individuals and communities, and we are proud to contribute to global academic development.  

Bottom Financial Quintile Student Success

USM is deeply committed to promoting the graduation targets for students from the bottom 20% of the household income group, also defined in Malaysia as the B40 category. This commitment is reflected in efforts to encourage on-time graduation (GOT) for students facing economic challenges. Between 2020 and 2024, the university consistently supported low-income students through targeted financial aid, academic counselling, and resources aimed at removing barriers to timely graduation.

The data reveals a positive trend in GOT rates for these students. In 2020, 63.7% of B40 students graduated on time. This figure increased steadily each year, reaching an impressive 87% in 2024. Out of a total of 2,895 low-income students in 2023, 2,197 were able to complete their studies on time, underscoring the effectiveness of USM’s support programs.

By providing this tailored support, USM aims to empower students from low-income backgrounds to achieve their academic goals and enter the workforce equipped with their degrees. These efforts are a vital part of USM’s dedication to bridging economic disparities in higher education, ensuring that all students have equitable opportunities to succeed.

By providing tailored support through financial aid, academic guidance, and dedicated resources, USM is working to bridge the gap for students facing economic challenges, empowering them to reach their full potential and succeed alongside their peers.