USM Showcases Erasmus+ Circular Project at ASEAN 2025 Ambassadors’ Roundtable and Launches Malaysia Hub
On July 3, 2025, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) participated in the Ambassadors’ Roundtable for ASEAN 2025, titled “Bridging Nations, Connecting Regions – Higher Education for ASEAN Unity,” while also launching the Erasmus+ Malaysia Hub. The event was held at the Grand Banquet Hall, UTM Hotel & Residence in Kuala Lumpur, and included attendance from over 20 ambassadors, university leaders, policymakers, and Erasmus+ project coordinators from ASEAN member states.
Main Focus of the Gathering
The main focus of this gathering was to enhance regional collaboration in higher education. The official launch of the Erasmus+ Malaysia Hub was conducted by Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister of Higher Education Malaysia, and His Excellency Rafael Daerr, the Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia.
USM’s Erasmus+ CIRCULAR Project
During the event, USM presented its Erasmus+ CIRCULAR project, which aims to promote Circular Economy Living Laboratories to encourage sustainability and social innovation in Southeast Asian higher education institutions. The USM delegation featured Assoc. Prof. Dr. Asyirah Abdul Rahim, the project coordinator, researcher Nur Syazwana Hamzah, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norsuhana Omar from the USM International Mobility and Collaboration Centre (IMCC).
Commitment to International Collaboration
The involvement of USM representatives highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering international collaborations and sustainability through strategic partnerships. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Asyirah Abdul Rahim emphasized the importance of USM’s representation at this significant event, reaffirming the institution’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration.
Leadership in Education for Sustainable Development
The exhibition at the roundtable also underscored USM’s leadership in advancing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiatives and its collaborative efforts with various institutions across Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and Europe under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) program.
Opportunities from the Erasmus+ Malaysia Hub
The establishment of the Erasmus+ Malaysia Hub is anticipated to provide new opportunities for USM staff and students, including:
- Mobility programs enabling travel to Europe for staff and students.
- Joint research initiatives and capacity-building projects.
- Development of global partnerships aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Long-term Goals of the Erasmus+ CIRCULAR Project
The Erasmus+ CIRCULAR project, coordinated by USM over three years, involves collaboration with universities from Europe and Southeast Asia and focuses on integrating circular economy principles within higher education through living labs, curriculum development, and student engagement. USM’s participation in the Erasmus+ program signifies its ongoing dedication to global engagement and sustainability through effective international collaborations.
(Source: USM News)
