- USM-HBP and LADA collaborate on eco-responsibility, launching Idaman Geosite Clean Up to engage students in environmental conservation efforts.
- The initiative fosters student engagement, promoting teamwork and leadership skills while preserving Langkawi’s UNESCO Global Geopark area.
- Dr. Ariza Sharikin highlights experiential learning’s significance, providing students with meaningful educational experiences beyond traditional classrooms.
The School of Housing, Building, and Planning (HBP) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), has launched an impactful initiative aimed at cultivating ethical principles and fostering community engagement.
Cultivating university responsibility and environmental consciousness
The primary aim of this initiative is to instil a profound sense of responsibility among students towards environmental preservation. Through the University Social Responsibilities (USR) programme, students are encouraged to love, safeguard, and preserve the natural beauty of their surroundings.
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Idaman Geosite Clean Up (IGSC): A collaborative effort for environmental conservation
The flagship activity of the USR programme, the Idaman Geosite Clean Up (IGSC), saw active participation from 46 students from the 3rd and 4th year batches. Guided by Dr. Ariza Sharikin Abu Bakar, a lecturer from HBP and the programme chairman, students worked hard to cleanse the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark area.
Dr. Ariza Sharikin emphasised the significance of experiential learning in providing students with a meaningful educational experience, beyond the confines of traditional classroom settings. She highlighted the role of IGSC in fostering physical and mental resilience while reinforcing core values essential for student development.
The USM HBP Dean, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rodzi Ismail, commended the initiative, acknowledging its contribution to developing crucial skills such as teamwork and leadership among students.
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The collaboration with LADA has been instrumental in the success of the IGSC initiative, and USM extends its gratitude for their invaluable support.
Looking ahead, USM is eager to implement more programmes like IGSC, fostering intergenerational cooperation and making enduring contributions to society.
