PRK KKTSS USM EXPLORES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING IN LANGKAWI

NIBONG TEBAL, 23 October 2026 - The Co-Curricular Planning Centre (PRK), Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus (KKTSS) Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through the KKTSS USM Synergy Programme in Langkawi: Advancing Sustainable Engineering through Research and Strategic Networking, explored opportunities for collaboration in engineering and research through visits to several institutions in Langkawi from 19 to 21 October.

Organised in collaboration with the WSU101 Sustainability: Issues, Challenges and Prospects and WSC127 Event Management 1 course at KKTSS, the programme aimed to connect academic knowledge with sustainability practices, particularly in sustainable development, environmental research and the application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Key activities included visits to the Technical Engineering Division of the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and the Langkawi Research Centre (PPL), under the Centre for Natural and Physical Laboratory Management (ALAF), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

The visits provided opportunities to explore strategic partnerships, expertise exchange and knowledge sharing in engineering and research to support environmental sustainability.

Deputy Director of the PRK at KKTSS USM, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Salman Abu Mansor, said the programme marked an initial step towards identifying opportunities for collaboration and research expertise exchange between USM, LADA and PPL @ ALAF-UKM.

He said strategic networks between academic institutions and relevant agencies could broaden knowledge sharing and facilitate the exploration of sustainable engineering solutions relevant to current challenges.

Meanwhile, PRK Programme Chair at KKTSS USM, Associate Professor Dr. Azam Taufik Mohd Din, said the visits exposed participants to sustainable management and development while creating opportunities to strengthen networks between academic institutions and relevant agencies.

The visits to PPL @ ALAF-UKM and Kilim Geopark also helped participants understand the role of natural laboratory management, geopark research and STEM applications in preserving geological ecosystems and promoting responsible natural resource management.

The visit to LADA further highlighted the importance of integrity, accountability and sustainable governance in development planning, in line with efforts to balance progress, community well-being and environmental conservation.

The programme also involved WSU101 course instructor, Ir. Dr. Nur Ayshah Rosli.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim / Photo: Courtesy of the PRK, KKTSS USM