SERDANG, 10 June 2026 – The Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Mosque hosted the SULAM Knowledge Transfer Program on the Bioactive Properties of Pandan: Eco-friendly Detergent Formulation for the Serdang Community. This event was the result of a strategic collaboration between the UPM Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, the UPM Islamic Centre, and the UPM Mosque Committee.

The program is part of the Service Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM) initiative, which integrates academic learning with community service. This initiative offers students the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to address real-world community issues and needs through an experiential learning approach.

The program was a project undertaken by third-year students from the Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences for the Community-Based Service Learning in Biochemistry (BCH4904) course, under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Uswatun Hasanah Zaidan, the BCH4904 Course Coordinator. Through this project, students not only had the chance to apply their knowledge of biochemistry but also honed their skills in communication, leadership, teamwork, and community engagement.

During the program, participants attended a theoretical session explaining the bioactive compounds found in pandan leaves and their potential use in creating safer, eco-friendly cleaning products. The presentation also highlighted the importance of reducing the use of chemicals that can negatively impact human health and the environment.

Following the theory session, the program proceeded with practical training, offering participants the opportunity to create their own eco-friendly detergent formulations using suitable ingredients. This hands-on activity enabled participants to understand every step of the product preparation process while building the confidence to apply this knowledge in their daily lives.

The program saw the participation of staff from the UPM Islamic Centre, members of the UPM Mosque congregation committee, and the Serdang local community, all of whom demonstrated great interest and commitment throughout the activities. The event fostered an interactive atmosphere, with participants actively asking questions, sharing experiences, and discussing the potential of using natural ingredients to create more sustainable everyday products.

Organizing this program reflects Universiti Putra Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening ties between the university and the community through knowledge transfer that yields direct benefits. The SULAM approach not only enhances public understanding of the application of science in daily life but also cultivates graduates who possess leadership qualities, empathy, a sense of social responsibility, and an awareness of community needs.

The close collaboration between the UPM Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, the UPM Islamic Centre, and the UPM Mosque Committee demonstrates that higher education institutions can play a pivotal role as knowledge hubs, contributing to community development through the sharing of expertise and innovation.

The UPM Islamic Centre extends its deepest appreciation to the UPM Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences—particularly Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uswatun Hasanah Zaidan and the third-year students of the BCH4904 course—as well as the UPM Mosque Committee and all participants who contributed to the success of this program.

It is hoped that such programs will be expanded in the future, serving as a platform to strengthen ties between the university and the community, while fostering awareness of the importance of eco-friendly products and encouraging the application of biochemical knowledge in daily life to create a society that is more sustainable, knowledgeable, and competitive.

Date of Input: 06/07/2026 | Updated: 19/08/2026 | asmunir