SHAH ALAM, 23rd August 2023 – Researchers and industry professionals gathered online today to discuss approaches towards strengthening communities through university-community partnership at the International Conference on Sustainable Development for Community Empowerment (unitE2023). Organized by the Community Network Centre (CNC), Office of Industry, Community and Alumni Network (ICAN), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Prof. Datuk Ts. Dr Hajah Roziah Mohd Janor, UiTM Vice-Chancellor, said, “Institutions of higher learning need to transition to more sustainable practices and strategize to protect and create new sources of value for future generations.” She added that UiTM remains committed to engage in impactful industry collaborations and contribute to community empowerment and progress.

Prof. Dr Mohamad Hariri Abdullah, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry, Community and Alumni Network) said in his welcoming address: “We strive to be forward thinking and innovative to create unique new value propositions.” He urged all project participants to proactively manage challenges and seize opportunities to sustainably improve the lives of local communities.

unitE2023 provides a platform for academic discourse and networking opportunities between guest speakers and participants. The conference, an initiative aligned with UiTM’s KaSEH initiative (Knowledge Transfer and Social Innovation Engagement and Research Helix, is designed to support the university’s community development efforts which are guided by the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The conference was also streamed live on ICAN UiTM Channel on YouTube.