KUALA SUNGAI MUDA, KEDAH, 7 October 2025: The Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) University-Industry Cooperation Centre (CUIC), successfully conducted a Site Visit Programme, along with the Opening and Handover Ceremony for the Muscling for the Mussels Farming Community Project. The event was officiated by the Vice-Chancellor of UUM, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan.
This project was implemented in collaboration with the Bumiputera Agenda Leadership Unit (TERAJU), which served as the funding agency. Its primary objective is to enhance the income and economic wellbeing of rural communities while also generating employment opportunities for local residents.
A total of 25 individual, including university representatives, chief researchers, implementing agencies and members of the local community, attended to ensure the success of the programme. The programme featured a site visit session, an opening ceremony, and the official handover of the project to the beneficiary community. Mdm. Suhaila Salleh, the Director of the TERAJU Programme Assurance & Management Department, along with TERAJU officers, added to the vibrancy of the ceremony through their presence and participaion.
In his speech, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan emphasised that the success of a community project should be assessed not merely by its implementation but by the long-term impact it brings to the community.
“The success of a community project is assessed not only through today’s ceremony but through its ability to deliver lasting benefits to the community. Therefore, I urge the local community to seize the opportunity to manage and utilise this project to its fullest potential. Similarly, university staff are encouraged to persistently monitor, support and improve this initiative to ensure its ongoing relevance and sustainability,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to TERAJU for the trust and support extended to UUM in its efforts to empower the community through the successful implementation of high-impact projects such as this. Gratitude was also extended to the lead researcher and the project team members whose contributions have been instrumental in the success of this project.
The ceremony was further enhanced by a visit to the project site in Teluk Bayu, a detailed briefing by the Programme Head, as well as the symbolic inauguration and handover of the project to community representatives.
The organisation of this programme reflects UUM’s commitment to advancing the University for Society (U4S) agenda, underscoring the essential role of universities as catalysts for the socio-economic development of rural communities.
