An international community engagement project titled "Smart Media for Mothers with Teenagers" was successfully conducted in Kampung Batang Barus, Solok, Padang, Indonesia, on 2 July 2026. Funded by the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), the project was a collaboration between the Faculty of Social and Political Science (FISIP), Universitas Andalas (UNAND), Padang and the School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Associate Professor Dr. Nik Norma Nik Hasan served as the facilitator and co-developer of the training module, which aimed to help mothers better understand their teenagers' digital lives, recognize both the opportunities and risks associated with digital media and develop practical communication strategies to guide their children. A total of 35 mothers participated in the project. When asked about their main concerns regarding their teenagers' use of smartphones and social media, the participants identified exposure to pornography, declining interest in studying and disrespectful behaviour as their greatest worries. Through this initiative, the workshop sought to empower families to cultivate healthy, safe and responsible media practices at home.

https://klikpositif.com/fisip-universitas-andalas-gelar-pelatihan-literasi-media-untuk-perempuan/

The community engagement project in Desa Brajan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, was successfully carried out from 28 September to 3 October 2025 through a partnership between IMCC, supported by the MOMAF2025 grant and the School of Communication, USM, in collaboration with FISIPOL, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY). Associate Professor Dr. Nik Norma Nik Hasan led the project with 10 journalism students, assisting the villagers of Desa Brajan in documenting their waste segregation initiatives through videos and observation-based storytelling. The aim was to produce educational and promotional videos and story kits that the community can use to ensure the sustainability of their efforts, as well as for public awareness and outreach. The partnership received wide coverage from local media in Yogyakarta and some of the news can be accessed through the following links:

https://kampus.mediamu.com/usm-malaysia-dan-umy-kolaborasi-dengan-masyarakat-di-gerakan-shadaqah-sampah-yogyakarta

https://pwmu.co/mahasiswa-usm-angkat-gerakan-shadaqah-sampah-ke-layar-dokumenter/

From 21–27 September 2025, the School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), led by Associate Professor Dr. Mohamad Saifudin Mohamad Saleh and 10 undergraduate students, carried out a cross-border Sustainability Communication community project in Jakarta, Indonesia. In collaboration with Universitas Mercu Buana (UMB), the programme engaged local Indonesian school students through interactive sessions and SDG-themed activities, nurturing awareness and communication skills on sustainability. SSupported by the Explore: Mobility Matching Fund (MOMAF) 2025, the initiative also received media coverage from The Malaysia Gazette, Sinar Bestari and Berita Harian highlighting its impact on youth and global learning:

https://malaysiagazette.com/2025/09/23/pensyarah-pelajar-ppk-usm-laksana-projek-komuniti-rentas-negara-di-jakarta/

https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/pendidikan/2025/10/1454877/usm-latih-pelajar-sekolah-di-jakarta-kuasai-sdgs

https://sinarbestari.sinarharian.com.my/my-ipt/usm-latih-pelajar-sekolah-di-jakarta-kuasai-komunikasi-sdgs

"Digital Literacy: Ethics, Laws, and Risks of Cyberbullying on Social Media" was carried out as a three-day community project from 19–21 February 2025 with Tingkatan 6 students at SMK Simpang Empat. Led by Dr. Rani Ann Balaraman, together with Associate Professor Dr. Mohamad Saifudin Mohamad Saleh, Dr. Sharifah Nadiah Syed Mukhiar, and Dr. Nur Atikah A Rahman, the programme was conducted under the BJIM Grant USM. The initiative aimed to raise awareness among youth about the ethical, legal, and psychological impacts of cyberbullying, while empowering them to build a safer and more responsible digital community.

A total of 70 dedicated students from the YBP230 (Corporate Social Responsibility) course at the School of Communication, USM, have completed the first phase of their flagship program Comm@Love in Transit (Comm@L.I.T.). This initiative is a remarkable collaboration with the Penang Homeless Transit Centre (PTGPP). It is supported by Service Learning Malaysia-University for Society (SULAM), USM. Under the guidance of Professor Dr Jamilah Hj Ahmad, this student-led project, themed “Social Responsibility, Empowering Lives,” embodies the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 3, and 12. The program engaged over 80 residents of the PTGPP and reached an impressive audience of 137,000 online viewers. It also garnered significant media attention from outlets such as The Star, Utusan Malaysia, China Press, The Sun, Kwong Wah, and BERNAMA. The closing ceremony, hosted by the lively DJ Fara Fauzana from Hot FM, was graced by the presence of YB Lim Siew Khim, the Penang State Executive Councillor for Social Development Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs, with the presence of the School of Communication Dean and SULAM SoC Coordinator. The event also acknowledged the commitment of 25 sponsors who demonstrated unwavering support for this impactful project. For more information, feel free to check the link.