MORE than 60 residents of the Penang Transit Centre for the Homeless in Jalan CY Choy benefitted from free oral health education, dental screening, and sustainability-focused community activities.
The activities marked the first phase of COMM@ Love in Transit 2026 (COMM@LiT 2026) – an award-winning university social responsibility effort led by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Communication students.
The programme’s flagship segment, themed “Healthy Teeth, Healthy Happy Life,” highlighted the importance of preventive oral healthcare among vulnerable communities.
The oral healthcare session was carried out by dental professionals from the Children’s Dental Centre and the Health Ministry’s Training Institute (Dental).
They showed practical demonstrations on effective toothbrushing techniques, oral hygiene routines and preventive dental care.
COMM@LiT 2026, themed “Social Responsibility, Empowering Lives”, is now entering its third year collaboration with the centre, with support from Service-Learning Malaysia – University for Society (Sulam-USM).
Project adviser Prof Jamilah Ahmad said COMM@LiT reflected the role of higher education in strengthening value-based education through meaningful community engagement and experiential learning.
“COMM@LiT goes beyond conventional outreach activities, by empowering students to apply communication skills meaningfully.
“It also enables them to contribute to the well-being of vulnerable communities through knowledge, empathy and sustainable action,” she said.
In addition to oral health awareness, participants also took part in gotong-royong activities, eco-enzyme natural freshener workshops, urban farming demonstrations and composting sessions carried out by experts from various USM schools and centres.
With the completion of its first phase, COMM@LiT 2026 will continue with activities focusing on environmental awareness, an explore race, arts for mental well-being, health screening initiatives, exhibitions and an open day on June 6.
