Miles for Cleft 2025 is a continuation of the Run for Cleft program held by Persatuan Sains Pergigian (PSG), which was held physically in 2016, 2018, and 2019, and virtually in 2022 and 2023. For the first time since the pandemic, the event returns in a hybrid format, combining both physical and virtual participation this year.

Recognising the importance of caring for the welfare of children with cleft lip and palate, PSG has taken the initiative to organise a charity run, Miles for Cleft 2025. This program aims to raise funds for the Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Malaysia (CLAPAM) and Persatuan Kebajikan Pesakit Kanak-kanak HPUSM (PEKA), while also increasing public awareness about cleft lip and palate issues. The funds collected will be used to help children affected by this condition.

Aligned with USM’s mission to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), this program highlights SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Dr. Norhayati Yusop, Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation, and Industry-Community Engagement, School of Dental Sciences (PPSG), representing the Dean of PPSG. Also in attendance were Prof. Dr. Wan Azman, a plastic surgeon at HPUSM and CLAPAM representative, Dr. Rosmaliza Ramli, PSG advisor, Dr. Johari Yap, lecturer at PPSG and Mr. Mohd Hafiz Zali, student escort from UiTM Machang Campus.

This program was led by Nur Farhana Fazreen Anuaruddin, a Year 3 PPSG student and an executive committee member of PSG. She was supported by a dedicated organising committee consisting of about 100 PPSG students from Year 1 to Year 4.

The event successfully attracted more than 150 physical participants, including USM students and staff, students from the Majlis Perwakilan Komander Kesatria (MPPK) of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Machang, and the public.

Additional side activities included a lucky draw, free dental check-ups and diet consultations by Dietetics students.

This program also marked a collaboration with the Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar, Kampus Kesihatan (MPP USM) as well as local and international universities including Universitas Muhammadiyah Indonesia, University of Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST), MAHSA University, Lincoln University College, Manipal University, and SEGi University.