USM Math Association for Academic Outreach Collaboration

On Saturday, 17 May 2025, the Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University (PSU) welcomed 36 students and 2 lecturers from the School of Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for an Academic Outreach Collaboration Program aimed at fostering academic networking, cultural appreciation, and international learning.

The day-long program began with an opening session featuring welcoming remarks by Asst. Prof. Dr. Natthada Jibenja, Head of the Division of Computational Science, followed by an opening address by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pimonsri Mittraparp-arthorn, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and International Relations, Faculty of Science, PSU.

The morning activities included a series of presentations from both institutions. A knowledge-sharing session by Dr. Muhammad Fadhil Marsani (USM) was followed by a presentation from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Varayu Boonpogkrong (PSU), highlighting academic strengths and research initiatives. Student leadership was demontrated when the president of the Mathematics Association (USM) and President of the Mathematics Association (USM), along with Mr. Worachot Longsuwan and Mr. Kittipong Maengor, former and current Presidents of the Mathematics Club (PSU), sharing insights into student-led activities and the goals of their respective organizations. 

In the afternoon, the group explored Songkhla Old Town as part of a student-centered learning activity. Guided by members of the PSU Mathematics Club, participants were divided into small groups for a hands-on outdoor assignment designed to encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and cultural discovery in this historic district.

The evening featured a cultural exchange program, where PSU students presented aspects of Thai culture, including a traditional dessert-making activity, while USM students shared highlights of Malaysian culture. These interactive sessions created lasting moments of connection and mutual appreciation. The program concluded late in the evening with farewell speeches by the student leaders of both institutions, who expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm for ongoing collaboration.

This academic outreach program successfully fulfilled its objectives of promoting cross-cultural understanding, strengthening academic ties, and fostering international friendship. It also laid the groundwork for future partnerships in research, student mobility, and community engagement, in alignment with PSU’s mission to cultivate globally-minded citizens and regional academic collaboration.