GOOD PRACTICE
29-06-2011
29-06-2011
Higher education's contribution to sustainability, Higher education's role in addressing major global challenges
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The University in a Garden
University Sains Malaysia
MYANMAR
Asia and The Pacific
Contact Information
Cancellor´s Office
*GUNI Institutional Member
The University in a Garden concept as conceptualised by USM in 2001-02 is designed to depict the close affinity between the role and function of the University as an institution of higher learning and nature as part of the global ecological setting. The flora, fauna, aquatic elements and other natural creations are dynamically linked in the exploration of knowledge into the nature of existence. The concept is an invitation to value, preserve and nurture the campus ambient as part of the efforts to create and sustain an intellectually conducive setting in order to kindle the spirit and practice of symbiotic co-existence. It is about touching the hearts and minds of each campus citizenry in the appreciative of the natural surroundings as a source of inspiration as bequeathed to us by the Creator.
Under the APEX proposal entitled, “Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow”, USM has outlined its efforts in advocating the process of a sustainable development in ascertaining a more lasting future. In particular the survivality of the planet and humankind by ensuring the appropriate use of resources towards a greater understanding, respecting and even taking necessary steps to build a robust and balanced prosperous and sustainable future.
Emphasis is given “… to integrate sustainable development into the educational system so that future generations can be nurtured and imbued with the need to embrace ecological protection, conservation of resources and human development based on the virtues of equity, accessibility availability, affordability, appropriateness and in articulating a wholesome meaning of quality.”
In line with this, USM has executed a rebranding-cum-advocacy programme that would allow it to deepen and translate its main mission as “a pioneering university, transdisciplinary and research-intensive that empowers future talents and enables the bottom billions to transform their socioeconomic well-being.” This is in line with the vision of “Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow.”
USM as an acknowledged Regional Centre of Excellence on Education for Sustainable Development by the United Nations University in Nagoya University, Japan, on 29th June 2005 has a lot to do. Notable examples include the campaigns on sustainability such as “The White Coffin” that has successfully rid the use of polystyrene, and present a model of how carry out similar activities, and be recognised nationally and internationally, the latest by Global University Netowork for Innovation (GUNI). So is the campaign to reduce the use of plastics in the campus that is now still on-going. The mobilisation of in-house expertise to develop the concept of an “eco-hub” by utilising available resources is yet an example of the success thus far, all performed by volunteers from the campus community.
USM would continue to lead in facing future challenges by advocating seven thrust areas as a a basis to shape the nation’s first APEX university. The seven areas are its concern about: The Future, Uniqueness, Sustainability, Humanity, Universality, Change and Sacrifice as expressed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, during the 2009 Annual Address entitled “Universiti APEX : Satu tuntutan, Satu Pengorbanan” (APEX university: A Quest, A Sacrifice.)
This means, USM is fully to implement a future that is sustainable by utilising higher education as the platform to reach out towards humankind as a whole while extending firm support to major international goals such as the Millennium Development Goals, Education for All, Education for Sustainable Development and any other agenda in the future. In so doing, USM opted to venture forward based on the “Blue Ocean Strategy”, which requires a unique and innovative way of thinking, taking actions and setting goals other than the norms. To be sure, establishing sustainability and humanity as the core ideals present a new metaphor that USM is keen to work on in ascertaining the survivality of the planet to be inherited by future generations. In short, this what APEX is about for USM
Emphasis is given “… to integrate sustainable development into the educational system so that future generations can be nurtured and imbued with the need to embrace ecological protection, conservation of resources and human development based on the virtues of equity, accessibility availability, affordability, appropriateness and in articulating a wholesome meaning of quality.”
In line with this, USM has executed a rebranding-cum-advocacy programme that would allow it to deepen and translate its main mission as “a pioneering university, transdisciplinary and research-intensive that empowers future talents and enables the bottom billions to transform their socioeconomic well-being.” This is in line with the vision of “Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow.”
USM as an acknowledged Regional Centre of Excellence on Education for Sustainable Development by the United Nations University in Nagoya University, Japan, on 29th June 2005 has a lot to do. Notable examples include the campaigns on sustainability such as “The White Coffin” that has successfully rid the use of polystyrene, and present a model of how carry out similar activities, and be recognised nationally and internationally, the latest by Global University Netowork for Innovation (GUNI). So is the campaign to reduce the use of plastics in the campus that is now still on-going. The mobilisation of in-house expertise to develop the concept of an “eco-hub” by utilising available resources is yet an example of the success thus far, all performed by volunteers from the campus community.
USM would continue to lead in facing future challenges by advocating seven thrust areas as a a basis to shape the nation’s first APEX university. The seven areas are its concern about: The Future, Uniqueness, Sustainability, Humanity, Universality, Change and Sacrifice as expressed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, during the 2009 Annual Address entitled “Universiti APEX : Satu tuntutan, Satu Pengorbanan” (APEX university: A Quest, A Sacrifice.)
This means, USM is fully to implement a future that is sustainable by utilising higher education as the platform to reach out towards humankind as a whole while extending firm support to major international goals such as the Millennium Development Goals, Education for All, Education for Sustainable Development and any other agenda in the future. In so doing, USM opted to venture forward based on the “Blue Ocean Strategy”, which requires a unique and innovative way of thinking, taking actions and setting goals other than the norms. To be sure, establishing sustainability and humanity as the core ideals present a new metaphor that USM is keen to work on in ascertaining the survivality of the planet to be inherited by future generations. In short, this what APEX is about for USM
To raise the awareness of all parties about these efforts, various elements were accorded specific attention. This includes the existing philosophy of development, taking into consideration the prevailing natural beauty such as the lakes and its tranquil surroundings as well as the inhabitants, the inter-relationship with design and architectural features, and also lifestyles of the campus community.
This noble effort has generated a number of discussions, participations and activities that are infused with humanistic values and empathy. USM has indeed created an exemplary and enviable new metaphor of a garden university. This is taking into account a harmonious blend of various vista in the search for answers to further illuminate the questions of - who we are, how we attained insights, and how we should fashion our future survival.
The USM has been able to register all the trees in its campus and locate them in an interactive map, which counts 27 different species. Furthermore, as a result of this initiative; USM published the University in a Garden book which is divided in four parts. It describes the strategic situation of USM, its natural environment, its interdependence with environment as well as the developments being achieved through this initiative.
2001; active
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