KUBANG KERIAN, KELANTAN, 15 June 2025 – School of Dental Sciences (PPSG), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is taking another step forward in strengthening its global partnerships with the signing of a Cooperation Agreement with Universitas Hang Tuah (UHT), Indonesia, which is held on 15^th June 2025 at the USM, Health Campus in Kelantan.

The agreement was signed by Professor Dr. Norhayati Luddin, Dean of School of Dental Sciences, representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, while Dr. Kristanti Parisihni, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, represented UHT.

According to Professor Dr. Norhayati, this collaboration marks another important milestone in USM’s continuous efforts to advance its international engagement, particularly in the areas of education, research, and community service.

“This agreement not only strengthens the partnership that has been established since 2018, but also reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to explore new opportunities through various academic and professional initiatives,” she said.

The scope of collaboration includes student and staff exchange programmes, joint research, seminars, workshops, and community engagement initiatives, many of which are already underway or in development.

“Strategic collaborations such as this play a crucial role in expanding knowledge networks and increasing academic impact, ultimately benefitting both institutions, the wider community, and the nation,” she added.

She also expressed her appreciation to everyone involved, directly or indirectly, in bringing this agreement to fruition and expressed hope that the partnership will continue to grow stronger in the years to come.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kristanti Parisihni extended her gratitude to USM, especially the researchers who have contributed to the success of this cooperation.

“I believe that this partnership between UHT and USM will serve as a catalyst for greater research collaboration between our institutions across diverse fields.

May it benefit both universities in advancing knowledge-sharing and research between Malaysia and Indonesia,” she said.

Also present at the event were Dr. Widyasri Prananingrum, First Vice Dean of Student Affairs and Collaboration, Universitas Hang Tuah; Dr. Norhayati Yusop, Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation and Industry–Community Engagement), PPSG USM; Dr. Nurhafizah Ghani, Acting Deputy Dean (Academic, Career, Alumni and Student Affairs), PPSG USM; and Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Azlina Ahmad, Coordinator of the USM-UHT Cooperation Agreement, along with researchers, lecturers, and officers from the School of Dental Sciences, USM.

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.