USM-PolyU Educational Project Achieves Project Excellence at Malaysia GPM Sustainability Awards 2024 – Advancing Sustainability and Youth Development
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) were recognized at the Malaysia GPM Sustainability Awards 2024 for their joint initiative, titled ‘Sustainable Positive Youth Development (SPYDe) Activities through the P.A.T.H.S. Programme.’ This project received the Project Excellence award in the Project of the Year category, highlighting the successful implementation of the SPYDe initiative, which is an integral aspect of the Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social (P.A.T.H.S.) Programme.
The P.A.T.H.S. Programme
The P.A.T.H.S. Programme is a collaborative effort between USM’s School of Educational Studies and PolyU’s Department of Applied Social Sciences. Its objective is to foster holistic development among adolescents in Malaysian secondary schools. Sponsored by PolyU, the project specifically targets Form 1 and Form 2 students.
Impact and Implementation
Professor Daniel T.L. Shek, Associate Vice President of PolyU and Principal Investigator of the P.A.T.H.S. Programme in Malaysia, emphasized that the programme aims to enhance essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills in youth. He noted the successful rollout of the programme in 20 Malaysian secondary schools, which has positively influenced student development.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Thien Lei Mee, Co-Principal Investigator from USM’s School of Educational Studies, the initiative involved the execution of ten teaching modules from June to July 2024, affecting 1,010 students and 53 teachers across four districts in Penang.
Sustainability and Educational Goals
Dr. Thien indicated that the SPYDe initiative aligns with USM’s commitment to sustainability by incorporating sustainable lesson plans and educational materials into its curriculum. The project is also consistent with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
5P Framework Approach
The SPYDe activities are structured around a 5P Framework: Product, Process, People, Planet, and Prosperity, ensuring an all-encompassing approach to sustainability and youth development. Dr. Thien emphasized the significance of education in preparing young individuals to contribute to a sustainable and equitable future.
Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony occurred on January 16, 2025, at Dewan Azman Hashim, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Kuala Lumpur. Notable attendees included Tunku Datuk Mohamed Alauddin Tunku Naquiyuddin, CEO of Kumpulan Antah Healthcare, and Ts. Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, CEO of the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC).
About the GPM Sustainability Awards
The Green Project Management® (GPM®) Sustainability Awards were established to recognize individuals and projects that promote sustainable development through green project management principles. Founded in 2010 and based in Michigan, GPM has evolved into a global movement advocating for sustainable project management practices that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
(Source: USM)
