(From left): Norani Abu Bakar, Professor Datuk Ir Ts Dr Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir, Academician Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Datuk Dr Omar Abdul Rahman and Associate Professor Dr Mabel Tan Hwee Joo.

Dr Japareng Lalung, Coordinator RCE Penang, Universiti Sains Malaysia (7th from left) and students from USM at the Harmoni-Mesra Exchange Programme 2022.

Kuala Lumpur, 26 October 2022 – UCSI University launched the first Cheras SDG Day 2022 in conjunction with the university's Harmoni-Mesra Campus Week over the weekend. 

The launch was officiated by Professor Datuk Siti Hamisah Tapsir, CEO of UCSI Group and Vice-Chancellor of UCSI University, together with Academician Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Datuk Dr Omar Abdul Rahman, Council Member of UCSI University and Chair Organising Committee 'Dialog Rakyat for National Cohesion & Unity', Madam Tan Boon Charn, Representative of Cheras Community, Dato’ Dr Abd Halim Mohd Hussin, President of International Counselling Association of Malaysia, Associate Professor Dr Mabel Tan Hwee Joo, President and Chief Executive Office UCSI College, Dr Japareng Lalung, Coordinator Regional Centre of Expertise Penang, Mr Thai Ming Yeow ,Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia, students from Universiti Sains Malaysia and Regional Centre of Expertise Greater Kuala Lumpur (RCE GKL).

As the university champions the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the event was one of the initiatives to promote SDG 16 — Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. In addition, the Cheras SDG Day also aims to enhance harmony and unity, health and well-being, as well as celebrate the community's partnerships and achievements in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and SDGs.  

Various activities, such as interactive SDG games, workshops, and talks, were organised for the students and public throughout the week.

"UCSI University has over 12,000 students, with nearly 30% international students and 70% local students. As we build future leaders, it is critical that we promote national unity and social harmony among our students.” Stated Siti Hamisah.

She also stated that the university is working hard to improve education by incorporating SDGs into courses and extracurricular learning for its students and faculty.

"Our goal is to encourage our students to take on the responsibility of becoming active agents of change, where they can contribute to addressing social, political, and economic challenges ranging from poverty and inequality to environmental conservation," added Siti Hamisah.

This event also received support from RCE Penang, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). To further encourage the ‘harmony-mesra’ among students, RCE Penang, USM sent a group of students from Penang to UCSI, to experience and to take part in the Harmoni-Mesra Exchange Programme 2022.

Madam Tan Boon Charn, who represents the Cheras community, stated that collaboration is essential in addressing the Cheras community's pressing issues and needs. "We believe that this exercise will help to unite the Cheras community, resulting in a stronger voice and more effective action in making Cheras a more sustainable and liveable city.”

In addition to the launch, the university celebrated the National Counselling Month and the one-year anniversary of the Regional Centre of Expertise GKL's progress in Education for Sustainable Development.