BACHOK, 4 July 2026 – The Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), organised a Beach Cleanup & Picnic programme at Pantai Senok, Bachok, as part of its commitment to promoting environmental sustainability while strengthening camaraderie and family values among its staff.

Held from 8.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m., the programme brought together INFORMM staff and their families in an initiative that combined community service, recreation, and employee well-being.

The programme commenced with a beach cleanup activity, during which participants worked hand in hand to collect litter and plastic waste along the shoreline. The initiative aimed to preserve the cleanliness of the recreational area, reduce marine pollution, and raise awareness of the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems and the environment.

The enthusiastic participation and teamwork demonstrated by the volunteers reflected INFORMM’s strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainable practices. The involvement of family members also provided an excellent opportunity to instil environmental awareness and civic responsibility among the younger generation through hands-on experience.

Following the cleanup, participants enjoyed a picnic session in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The gathering provided an opportunity for staff and their families to interact beyond the workplace, fostering stronger relationships, enhancing teamwork, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

The programme is in line with Universiti Sains Malaysia’s aspiration to nurture a university community that excels not only in research and academic pursuits but also in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and community engagement.

INFORMM extends its sincere appreciation to all participants whose enthusiasm and commitment contributed to the success of the programme. It is hoped that similar initiatives will continue to cultivate a culture of volunteerism, environmental awareness, and unity among the INFORMM community.

The Beach Cleanup & Picnic programme exemplifies INFORMM’s commitment to creating a cleaner environment, fostering a caring community, and strengthening the bonds that unite its staff and families in support of a more sustainable future.

KOTA BHARU, 12 July 2026 – The Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), organised a campus clean-up initiative to eliminate potential Aedes mosquito breeding sites as part of the Health Campus USM Dengue Prevention Campaign Week, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to supporting dengue prevention efforts across the campus.

The programme, held from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., involved the participation of all INFORMM staff. It was organised following a call by the Director of the USM Health Campus for all Responsibility Centres (PTJs) to conduct inspection and clean-up activities to identify and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites within their respective premises.

The activity included systematic inspections of offices, laboratories, workspaces and the surrounding areas of the INFORMM building. Particular attention was given to drains, water channels, water-holding containers, flower pots, plastic containers, landscaped areas and other locations where stagnant water could accumulate and serve as breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.

Throughout the programme, staff members removed discarded containers capable of collecting water, cleaned the surrounding environment and reported locations requiring further attention to the relevant authorities. These proactive measures reflected INFORMM’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and conducive workplace while supporting the campus-wide effort to reduce the risk of dengue transmission.

Director of INFORMM, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aziah Ismail, emphasised that effective dengue prevention requires continuous commitment and active participation from every member of the campus community.

“Dengue prevention is a shared responsibility. Every member of our community has an important role in ensuring that our workplace remains clean and free from Aedes mosquito breeding sites. Through teamwork, vigilance and consistent action, we can minimise the risk of dengue transmission while creating a healthier, safer and more conducive campus environment for everyone,” she said.

She also expressed her appreciation to all INFORMM staff for their commitment and teamwork throughout the programme, adding that regular environmental inspections and clean-up activities should become part of the institute’s workplace culture.

The programme reflects INFORMM’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Health Campus USM’s aspiration of creating a clean, healthy and safe campus environment. Beyond raising awareness of dengue prevention, the initiative also strengthened teamwork, environmental responsibility and community engagement among staff.

INFORMM remains committed to supporting health awareness and environmental sustainability initiatives organised by the USM Health Campus as part of its continuous efforts to promote disease prevention and foster a healthier, safer and more sustainable campus ecosystem.

On 16 June 2026, the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), welcomed a delegation for a Sustainability Benchmarking Visit from Perpustakaan Musa Mohamad, Engineering Campus, USM. Organised by the INFORMM Sustainability Team, the visit served as a platform to exchange knowledge, strengthen strategic collaborations, and showcase INFORMM's sustainability initiatives and best practices.

The programme featured a welcoming session, presentations on INFORMM's sustainability journey, and discussions on integrating sustainable practices into daily operations. Participants also had the opportunity to explore successful initiatives implemented by INFORMM, encouraging the sharing of ideas and innovative approaches towards building a more sustainable and environmentally responsible organisation.

The benchmarking visit supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between institutions. It also contributes to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production through the promotion of sustainable operational practices, SDG 13: Climate Action by encouraging environmentally responsible initiatives, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through the sharing of innovative sustainability solutions.

The visit successfully strengthened professional networks, inspired the adoption of green practices, and reinforced INFORMM's role as a leader in campus sustainability. By sharing experiences and best practices, the programme encouraged continuous improvement and collective action towards achieving USM's sustainability aspirations and the global Sustainable Development Goals.

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✉️ E-mail: aini.matyassim@usm.my 

🏠 Location: INFORMM, Kelantan

Dr. Aini Syahida Mat Yassim is a vaccinologist and immunologist whose research focuses on vaccine immunogenicity, molecular immunology, and translational vaccine development. She is currently a Lecturer at the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, her research encompassed SARS-CoV-2 genomics, viral evolution, antiviral evaluation, and vaccine-induced immunity. She has contributed to studies investigating viral variants, antibody responses, immune durability, breakthrough infections, and the long-term immunological effects of COVID-19 vaccination.

Her work integrates immunology, vaccine design, formulation, and preclinical immunogenicity evaluation to support the development of safe, effective, and accessible vaccines for global public health. Her current research focuses on the development of next-generation vaccines, particularly against Neisseria meningitidis.