A new collaboration between Tilting Futures, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and The Habitat Foundation advances global experiential learning in Penang, equipping the next generation to lead sustainable solutions through hands-on experience and an evidence-backed curriculum.
November 6, 2025
Tilting Futures, the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and The Habitat Foundation(THF), are proud to announce a new collaboration to expand access to immersive, place-based learning opportunities for young people from around the world.
This collaboration combines the strengths of Universiti Sains Malaysia, recognized for its excellence in sustainability research and policy leadership; The Habitat Foundation, known for advancing biodiversity conservation and environmental education; and Tilting Futures, a global leader in experiential education and youth development, creating a new model that bridges education, innovation, and environmental leadership.
Penang’s remarkable biodiversity makes it an ideal living laboratory for Tilting Futures’ newest Take Action Lab. Students participating in this Environment & Sustainability Lab will have the unique opportunity to apprentice in 20+ apprenticeships with community-based, research organizations, and other community partners working on a wide range of climate adaptation, conservation, and sustainable development initiatives.
“Through these partnerships, students don’t just learn about sustainability, they live it,” said Erin Lewellen, CEO of Tilting Futures. “Penang’s dynamic ecosystem of NGOs and community innovators offers powerful examples of climate resilience, and we’re thrilled for our students to learn from those leading the way.“
Each student will learn directly from local mentors and leaders, gaining real-world experience that cultivates adaptability, empathy, and systems thinking.
“Our collaboration with Tilting Futures allows students to experience sustainability in action and to engage directly with research, policy, and community-based innovation,” said Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Wira bin Mohd Shafiei, Director, Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Grounded in Tilting Futures’ signature curriculum which is rooted in systems-thinking, asset-based problem-solving, and the nine planetary boundaries, these experiences equip young people to translate insight into action and to lead with purpose in an interconnected world.
Students, Ready to dive into real-world environmental action and learn from sustainability innovators in Penang?
Universities and Colleges, Interested in partnering to bring immersive, credit-aligned environmental learning opportunities to your students?
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About Tilting Futures
Tilting Futures is building a worldwide coalition of young people with the skills and networks to solve our most complex global challenges. For 15 years, we have been equipping emerging leaders (ages 17-22) to navigate diverse perspectives, engage in civil dialogue, and drive positive impact in their communities and careers. Our flagship program, Take Action Lab, immerses students in hands-on apprenticeships, blending real-world experience with self-discovery and global orientation.
With rising demand from students, industry leaders, and in collaboration with a growing coalition of partners — including the University of Pittsburgh, the Bonner Program, Morehouse College, the University of Oregon, Rhodes College, African Leadership University, Clinton Global Initiative University, Harvard University, and the University of California, Berkeley — we are working to integrate this powerful learning model into mainstream education, ensuring access for all. When they graduate, our students join a global alumni community 3,000+ strong, continuing to collaborate, lead, and drive impact across sectors and borders.
Learn more at https://go.tiltingfutures.org/annual-report/
Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is one of Malaysia’s leading research universities, recognized globally for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Within USM, the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research, policy development, and education focused on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through collaboration with local and international partners, CGSS fosters learning experiences that prepare students and researchers to design and implement sustainable solutions addressing today’s most pressing environmental and social challenges.
Learn more at https://cgss.usm.my/
The Habitat Foundation (THF)
The Habitat Foundation (THF) is a charitable trust established in Penang, Malaysia, dedicated to nature conservation. As a practitioner-led organisation, we champion conservation in action through environmental education and outreach, grant programmes, community engagement, partnerships, and foundation-led initiatives. Our work spans across Malaysia — from advancing rainforest research and strengthening protected area management to driving conservation innovation and restoring vital habitats in collaboration with strategic partners.
Learn more at www.habitatfoundation.org.my
Contacts
Aziza Musa
Chief External Affairs Officer, Tilting Futures
Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Wira bin Mohd Shafiei
Director, Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
