SEMESTER AT SEA (SAS) STUDENT VISIT 2026
The Centre for Policy Research (CPR), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) conducted an academic engagement programme with Semester at Sea (SAS), Colorado State University, involving 25 international undergraduate students and 10 CPR postgraduate students. The initiative contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and aligns directly with the QS Impact Rankings metrics as follows:
Teaching
The programme enhanced student learning through interactive, interdisciplinary exposure to regional policy and sustainability issues. Sessions on China–Malaysia Bilateral Relations, China–ASEAN Relations and Security Threats in the South China Sea and Science and Policy of the South China Sea integrated academic expertise with real-world policy challenges, supporting experiential learning and global citizenship outcomes for both international and local postgraduate students.
Research
Academic presentations and discussions facilitated knowledge exchange on geopolitical security, maritime governance and science–policy interfaces in the South China Sea. The engagement strengthened research-informed teaching and opened opportunities for future collaborative research, joint publications and policy-oriented outputs aligned with regional sustainability and governance priorities.
Outreach
The programme strengthened international academic partnerships through direct engagement between USM and Colorado State University’s Semester at Sea programme. Activities including a campus tour and networking lunch promoted cross-cultural understanding, institutional visibility and long-term collaboration, reinforcing USM’s role as a regional hub for policy dialogue and global engagement.
