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George Town, June 21, 2024 – Dr. Roger Y. Chao Jr., a representative from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), conducted a field monitoring visit to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) as part of the ongoing evaluation of the CIRCULAR project. The project, titled “Circular Economy Living Laboratories supporting Social Innovation in Southeast Asia,” aims to embed sustainability and circular economy principles into higher education institutions across the region.
The day-long visit commenced with a meeting between Dr. Chao and USM’s senior management, led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A. Wahab. During this session, Professor Dr. Habibah reiterated USM’s dedication to advancing scientific and technological innovations that align with sustainability goals. She highlighted the university’s proactive stance on fostering partnerships with industry experts, particularly under the Erasmus+ program, and mentioned potential collaborations with various faculties at Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Following the management meeting, the CIRCULAR project team engaged in an in-depth discussion with Dr. Chao. The discussions focused on the project’s progress, particularly the development of living labs that integrate sustainability into the educational framework. These living labs, established across partner universities, aim to address community issues through sustainable practices. The project emphasizes the need for meticulous documentation and active dissemination to ensure that the initiative’s impact is both sustainable and widely recognized.
Additionally, the visit featured contributions from key stakeholders involved in the project. Dr. Normaliza Abdul Manaf from Kampus Sejahtera, Universiti Sains Malaysia discussed efforts to incorporate sustainability into university governance and faculty projects, emphasizing a collaborative approach. The Green Educators’ Workgroup (GREW), as a CIRCULAR ESD partner, also highlighted its efforts in a virtual session, showcasing how their Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Learning Hub is actively enhancing student engagement in sustainable development.
The visit concluded with a focus on the broader implications of the CIRCULAR project. Dr. Chao underscored the importance of integrating social, environmental, and economic considerations into higher education. He also stressed the role of education in promoting sustainable practices and the need for grassroots initiatives to support community awareness about circular economy benefits.
As the CIRCULAR project progresses, the commitment to sustainability and innovation within Southeast Asian higher education continues to be a key focus, driving forward both local and regional impact.

CIRCULAR Blended Bootcamps at our partner universities in southeast Asia

George Town, June 21, 2024 – Dr. Roger Y. Chao Jr., a representative from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), conducted a field monitoring visit to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) as part of the ongoing evaluation of the CIRCULAR project. The project, titled “Circular Economy Living Laboratories supporting Social Innovation in Southeast Asia,” aims to embed sustainability and circular economy principles into higher education institutions across the region.
The day-long visit commenced with a meeting between Dr. Chao and USM’s senior management, led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A. Wahab. During this session, Professor Dr. Habibah reiterated USM’s dedication to advancing scientific and technological innovations that align with sustainability goals. She highlighted the university’s proactive stance on fostering partnerships with industry experts, particularly under the Erasmus+ program, and mentioned potential collaborations with various faculties at Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Following the management meeting, the CIRCULAR project team engaged in an in-depth discussion with Dr. Chao. The discussions focused on the project’s progress, particularly the development of living labs that integrate sustainability into the educational framework. These living labs, established across partner universities, aim to address community issues through sustainable practices. The project emphasizes the need for meticulous documentation and active dissemination to ensure that the initiative’s impact is both sustainable and widely recognized.
Additionally, the visit featured contributions from key stakeholders involved in the project. Dr. Normaliza Abdul Manaf from Kampus Sejahtera, Universiti Sains Malaysia discussed efforts to incorporate sustainability into university governance and faculty projects, emphasizing a collaborative approach. The Green Educators’ Workgroup (GREW), as a CIRCULAR ESD partner, also highlighted its efforts in a virtual session, showcasing how their Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Learning Hub is actively enhancing student engagement in sustainable development.
The visit concluded with a focus on the broader implications of the CIRCULAR project. Dr. Chao underscored the importance of integrating social, environmental, and economic considerations into higher education. He also stressed the role of education in promoting sustainable practices and the need for grassroots initiatives to support community awareness about circular economy benefits.
As the CIRCULAR project progresses, the commitment to sustainability and innovation within Southeast Asian higher education continues to be a key focus, driving forward both local and regional impact.

At the end of September, the CIRCULAR partners met for the Second Online Coordination Meeting.

We are excited to invite you to join the next in-person training events of the CIRCULAR Capacity-Building Programme, taking place at our partner universities in Malaysia. This is an incredible opportunity to enhance your skills, network with peers, and contribute to sustainable development in the region.

We are excited to invite you to join the next in-person training events of the CIRCULAR Capacity-Building Programme, taking place at our partner universities in Laos. This is an incredible opportunity to enhance your skills, network with peers, and contribute to sustainable development in the region.

We are excited to invite you to join the first in-person training events of the CIRCULAR Capacity-Building Programme, taking place at our partner universities in Cambodia. This is an incredible opportunity to enhance your skills, network with peers, and contribute to sustainable development in the region.

Here you can read a summary of the latest news about the Circular project.

At the end of September, the CIRCULAR partners met for the Second Online Coordination Meeting.

At the end of September, the CIRCULAR partners met for the Second Online Coordination Meeting.