USM’S PPPJJ PROMOTES COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH VOLVARIELLA MUSHROOM PROJECT AT PERAI FESTIVAL

The School of Distance Education (PPPJJ), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), took part in the Targeted Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Programme held in conjunction with the Festival Kota Warisan Perai at Kota Warisan, Kampung Terus, North Seberang Perai, Penang.

As part of the programme, PPPJJ highlighted the Volvariella Mushroom Project, an initiative that embodies sustainability, innovation, and the responsible use of resources.

The project, led by Dr. Jacquelina Karimon together with Associate Professor ChM. Dr. Tan Wen Nee, Nor Rafizah Md Zain, and their team, drew strong interest from festival visitors.

Exhibitors explained the potential of mushrooms as a nutritious food source and their prospects for development as a community based initiative supporting sustainable growth and wellbeing.

PPPJJ's participation also provided a platform to showcase USM's academic expertise and innovation to the wider community, while promoting knowledge sharing and raising awareness of environmental sustainability and community development.

USM researchers are also actively engaged in community programmes with Kampung Matahari Naik in Tasek Gelugor, Seberang Perai.

The festival was officiated by Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Economy, YB Dato' Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah, and featured a wide range of activities and initiatives aligned with sustainable development and community empowerment.

PPPJJ's involvement in the Festival Kota Warisan Perai reflects the school's ongoing commitment to advancing the SDG agenda and strengthening university-community ties through knowledge, innovation, and impactful solutions that benefit society.