SULAM Initiative Bridges University and School Through Mathematics Engagement Programme

20 April 2026 – The School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) successfully conducted a Service Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM) initiative under the course EKC309 Project Management (Phase 1), in collaboration with Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato’ Haji Hussein, Selama, Perak.

Held at the Dewan Serbaguna, (DSG) Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus at 11.00 am, the programme brought together academic staff, university students, and school participants in a meaningful engagement aimed at strengthening community-based learning.

The session was honoured by the presence of the Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering, Professor Ir. Dr. Zainal Ahmad, alongside the Principal of SMK Dato’ Haji Hussein, Encik Shahrolnizam Samsudin accompanied by eight teachers and 80 Form 1 students.

Applying Knowledge Through Community Engagement

The programme was designed to fulfil the objectives of the SULAM framework, integrating academic coursework with real-world community service. As part of their course requirements, Chemical Engineering students were tasked with developing and implementing a project focusing on Mathematics learning among Form 1 students.

Through direct interaction, university students conducted on-site assessments to understand the school students’ performance levels, challenges, and learning gaps in Mathematics. This hands-on approach allowed them to apply project management principles in a real educational setting.

Interactive Learning and Problem-Solving

A series of structured activities were carried out to ensure active participation and meaningful engagement. The school students were first divided into smaller groups, followed by ice-breaking sessions to foster communication and build rapport between university and school participants.

Subsequently, survey-based data collection was conducted to identify key areas of difficulty in Mathematics. The Chemical Engineering students then analysed the findings and proposed targeted intervention strategies, offering practical solutions and effective learning methods tailored to the students’ needs.

Empowering Students Through Collaboration

The programme not only enhanced the understanding of Mathematics among the participating school students but also provided university students with valuable experience in problem-solving, communication, and community engagement. It demonstrated how engineering students can contribute meaningfully beyond technical disciplines by applying structured thinking to societal challenges.

Strengthening University–Community Linkages

The SULAM initiative reflects USM’s commitment to holistic education, where academic knowledge is integrated with community service to create positive social impact. It also reinforces the importance of collaboration between higher education institutions and schools in nurturing future generations.

The programme concluded on a positive note, with both university and school participants benefiting from the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences—laying a strong foundation for continued collaboration in future SULAM phases.