SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES USM EMPOWERS B40 COMMUNITIES THROUGH PLANT-BASED INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP

KUBANG KERIAN, KELANTAN, 4 July 2026 – The School of Health Sciences (PPSK), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its Biomedicine Programme, successfully concluded Program Pemerkasaan Penjanaan Ekonomi B40: Cakna Ekosihat B40 at Min House Camp (MHC), Kubang Kerian. The year-long community empowerment initiative was organised in collaboration with Persatuan Sindrom Down Negeri Kelantan (PSDNK) and funded by the Ministry of Higher Education's Social Innovation and Social Research Grant.

The programme was spearheaded by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Dasuki Sul'ain as Project Director, together with a dedicated multidisciplinary team comprising academic (Dr. Wan Nor Amilah Wan Abdul Wahab, Ts. Dr. Nurhidanatasha Abu Bakar, Dr. Shuhaila Mat Sharani, and Dr. Nur Suhaila Idris) and administrative staff (Mrs. Siti Mahirah Yusuf, Mrs. Yusnita Mat Yusoff, Mrs. Juskasmini Jusoh, Mrs. Noreen Nizam, and Mr.  Ahmad Auzan Azhar) and students from the School of Health Sciences. The programme was designed to improve community health awareness while empowering B40 communities through sustainable entrepreneurship based on plant-derived products and environmentally friendly innovations. The initiative targeted participants from the B40 community, including persons with disabilities, asnaf beneficiaries, and members of PSDNK.

The closing ceremony was officiated by the Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Wan Rosli Wan Ishak, who also presented certificates of appreciation and prizes to the award recipients. In his speech, he emphasised that universities not only serve as centres for knowledge generation and research but also have the responsibility to ensure that research outcomes are translated into practical solutions that deliver tangible benefits to society.

The programme pursued four main objectives: to increase public awareness of the importance of health care, to promote healthy lifestyle practices within the community, to empower the economic well-being of B40 communities through health-related and to socio-economic activities and strengthen collaboration between the university and the community. A key highlight of the programme was the introduction of USM's innovative essential oil extraction technology, which enabled participants to produce pure essential oils from aromatic plants. Through a series of practical workshops conducted throughout the programme, participants acquired hands-on skills in essential oil extraction, perfume formulation, the production of antibacterial aromatic soaps using recycled cooking oil, aromatherapy medicated oils, scented candles, and other plant-based products.

Beyond technical training, participants were also exposed to product branding, packaging, and marketing strategies to enhance the commercial value of their products. The programme encouraged participants to market their products through both conventional retail channels, including local cooperatives and community organisations, as well as digital, thereby expanding their opportunities to generate sustainable income.

The closing ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of participants who successfully transformed their newly acquired skills into entrepreneurial success. In the Highest Group Sales Income category, Group 2, led by Ts. Dr. Nurhidanatasha Abu Bakar, emerged as the champion, followed by Group 1, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Dasuki Sul'ain. Meanwhile, in the Highest Individual Sales Income category, Mrs. Siti Asmad Abu Bakar from Group 1 secured first place, while Mrs. Saidatul Asmah Ismail and Mrs. Norzalili Abd Rahmah, both from Group 2, won second and third places, respectively. Their achievements demonstrate the programme's success in translating scientific knowledge and entrepreneurial training into tangible economic outcomes for the participants.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Wan Rosli highlighted that the programme represented more than a community outreach initiative. It served as an effective knowledge transfer platform where research outputs and innovations developed at USM were successfully translated into practical applications that improved livelihoods and strengthened community resilience. The collaboration also reflects the university's aspiration to generate high-impact research that directly benefits society.

The organisers expressed their sincere appreciation to the School of Health Sciences, the School of Medical Sciences, the Biomedicine Programme, PSDNK, MHC, the programme advisor, lecturers, facilitators, students, and all committee members whose dedication ensured the successful implementation of the programme. Special appreciation was also extended to industry collaborators, including Dr Ridz Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. PM Ridzuan, French Perfume, represented by Co-Founder Puan Nadia, and Dr. Siti Amaliya Mohd Radyi, Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, for sharing their expertise in during the programme activities.

The successful completion of Program Pemerkasaan Penjanaan Ekonomi B40: Cakna Ekosihat B40 marks another significant milestone in USM's mission to empower communities through education, innovation, and sustainable socio-economic development. By integrating scientific research with entrepreneurship and community engagement, the programme has demonstrated how universities can play a transformative role in improving public health, promoting environmental sustainability, and creating new economic opportunities for underserved communities.