2026 October Meeting Report: Engagement with Al-Bukhary International University Alumni (3G Global Giving Group), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

As part of the THINAI programme exploration in Malaysia, we organised a special gathering of former students and alumni of Al-Bukhary International University (AIU), Alor Setar, Kedah, at NU Sentral, Kuala Lumpur.

The meeting brought together at least ten alumni who had previously been involved in community service, environmental activities and social initiatives during their university days. It was a particularly meaningful reunion because of our longstanding association with these young people and the continuation of their collective social commitment beyond their university education.

1. Background: The Formation of 3G Global Giving Group

During my tenure as a faculty member at Al-Bukhary International University, I was associated with and served as a coordinator/adviser to several student clubs, including an environmental or Green Campus Club.

The students actively participated in various environmental and community engagement activities, including:

- Green campus initiatives and vermicomposting.

- Environmental awareness and sustainable living activities.

- Exposure visits to the Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) to learn about environmental preservation and organic farming.

- Educational support for orphan children.

- Collection and distribution of donations for charitable activities.

Following their exposure visits and practical experiences, the students initiated several green campus and community engagement activities of their own.

Even after graduating from AIU, the students maintained their friendship and shared commitment to social service. They continued their association under the name 3G (Global Giving Group).

Over time, the group developed an international network, establishing 3G associations in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

Their activities included adopting orphanages and supporting children by contributing their time, energy, knowledge and skills. Beyond providing educational assistance, they also organised nature visits and environmental education sessions for the children.

As the years passed, several members pursued higher education, entered professional careers, got married and settled in different cities and countries. Nevertheless, their connection and commitment to the original 3G vision continued.

2. Introducing the Humaniversity Book Project

One of the major discussion points was the proposed book titled "Humaniversity", an initiative suggested by Tan Sri Zul during our earlier meeting.

The objective is to document the experiences and life journeys of AIU alumni and understand the long-term impact of the values they acquired during their university education.

The proposed book will explore:

- What universal human values the students learned during their time at AIU.

- How the university's Humaniversity philosophy influenced their attitudes, behaviour and outlook on life.

- How these values shaped their experiences when pursuing higher education at other universities.

- How they applied these values after graduation in their families, professional careers and communities.

- How their university experiences influenced their commitment to social responsibility, compassion, environmental sustainability and community service.

The larger purpose is to examine how effectively the concept of Humaniversity was translated into real-life values and practices among its graduates.

Dr. Vinothini Vasodavan explained the concept and objectives of the book to the alumni during the gathering.

The following coordination arrangements were agreed upon:

- Mr. Faris Hassan (Yemen) will serve as the Coordinator, collecting and coordinating contributions and articles from the alumni.

- Ms. Mageshwari (Malaysia) will serve as the Deputy Coordinator.

The alumni were encouraged to contribute their personal stories, reflections and experiences so that the book would become a collective record of the university's influence on their lives.

3. Introducing THINAI and Sustainability Master Trainer Opportunities

The second major discussion focused on introducing the THINAI programme and inviting the alumni to become part of its growing network.

I explained the THINAI vision, its integrated approach to sustainability education and its emphasis on translating knowledge and values into everyday practices and community action.

The alumni were invited to participate in the Sustainability Master Trainer (SMT) Training Programme.

The proposed opportunities include:

1. Attending the Sustainability Master Trainer training courses.

2. Developing and writing their own sustainability courses based on their expertise and experiences.

3. Becoming course facilitators and trainers.

4. Conducting online and offline courses for different groups of learners.

5. Contributing to community-based sustainability projects.

6. Earning income by developing and delivering courses through the THINAI platform.

This approach will enable the alumni to combine their professional knowledge, practical experiences and social commitment while developing opportunities for lifelong learning and income generation.

The idea was warmly received, with several participants showing enthusiasm about becoming involved.

4. Developing the THINAI App and Online Learning Platform

The third important discussion was about developing a dedicated THINAI digital application and online learning platform.

We explained the proposed platform, which will serve two major groups:

A. Learners

- Access a wide range of sustainability courses.

- Select courses according to their interests and learning needs.

- Learn online at their convenience.

- Complete assessments and obtain recognised course certificates.

B. Trainers and Course Developers

- Register as Sustainability Master Trainers.

- Develop and upload their own courses.

- Share their expertise through online learning.

- Teach learners from different geographical locations.

- Generate income through their courses.

We specifically requested the technically skilled alumni of 3G to explore how they could contribute to designing and developing the THINAI application and its online learning infrastructure.

Their technical expertise, combined with their understanding of the THINAI philosophy and their longstanding association with community service, could be valuable in developing this digital platform.

Conclusion: From University Values to Community Transformation

This meeting was particularly meaningful because it demonstrated how the values and experiences cultivated during university education can continue to influence individuals long after graduation.

The 3G Global Giving Group is an example of how student initiatives can evolve into enduring networks of friendship, compassion, voluntary service and community responsibility.

The proposed Humaniversity book will document this legacy, while THINAI offers an opportunity to take their commitment to the next level by connecting education, technology, professional skills and community action.

Our intention is to transform the enthusiasm and social commitment of these former students into a new generation of sustainability educators, course developers, community leaders and digital innovators.

The meeting also reinforced an important philosophy underlying both Humaniversity and THINAI:

Education should not end with obtaining a university degree. Its real success is reflected in how people live, how they treat one another, how they contribute to society and how they care for the natural world.

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