Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) successfully inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bung Siburan Heritage Association (BSHA) on 12th June 2024 at The Gallery, DeTar Putra. This collaboration was led by the Zoological Technology (ZooTech) Programme of Faculty Resource Science and Technology. The MoU signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing community engagement, ensuring community members have a voice in decision-making processes, leading to outcomes that more accurately reflect their needs and aspirations. The initiative, led by Dr. Elvy Quatrin Deka from the Zoological Technology Programme of the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, UNIMAS, underscores the importance of documenting heritage to prevent its potential loss.
UNIMAS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit said that the collaboration between the university and BSHA means more than just a partnership; it embodies their committed efforts to achieve. In his speech, he mentioned that “Heritage is very important to maintain and sustain, so the next generation is not blaming our generation for destroying our beautiful heritage so that it can be seen, and explored by them. There are a few things we need to remember, whatever the place that has been given to us for the period in this world, that is for the next generation.” He also addressed that “Hopefully, this MoU will be beneficial, not only in terms of medicine, culture, and language but also in attracting people from outside. They will pledge to highlight the beauty of these Bungs, specifically for this occasion, Bung Siburan.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Transport I (Land and Air) who is also the Honourable Advisor of BSHA YB Datuk Dr. Jerip Anak Susil said that the Siburan area has its wonderful histories and places to be explored and studied. He further added that “we must take on the challenge of exploring the flora and fauna, and closely examine the trees and the history they hold from past foreign farmers. This presents a valuable opportunity for us to learn from them and document this knowledge. If we fail to do so, it will be lost forever.”
Also present during the MoU signing event was the Bidayuh Siburan Heritage Association (BSHA) president, Lt. Cmdr. (Rtd.) Mr. Robert Tella Anak Gunjom. In his speech, the BSHA president stated that the MoU was just the beginning, with future plans that include the establishment a research and study center to highlight BSHA activities and the Bidayuh Biatah community in addition to educating the public on the significance of the Siburan areas. BSHA is committed to ensure the viability, identification, documentation, research, preservation, forest area protection, promotion, and revitalization of the Bidayuh Biatah cultural heritage. By engaging in these activities, BSHA aims to safeguard the cultural identity and historical significance of the Bidayuh Biatah people.
Collaboration between universities and communities is essential, as it bridges academic ideas and real-world applications. For instance, the partnership between the BSHA and UNIMAS is designed to transform classroom concepts into practical initiatives, fostering the area’s potential as a tourism site. This cooperation allows the community to benefit from innovative ideas and resources from the university. The MOU signing ceremony between BSHA and UNIMAS signifies a mutual commitment to joint research activities, focusing on biodiversity, nature-based tourism, and professional training programs. This collaboration aims to advance education and community well-being, targeting SDG 4 “Quality Education” and SDG 1 “No Poverty” by enabling adult learners to become certified local tourist guides. Additionally, initiatives like the Science Avengers and “Kembara Zoologi” aim to inspire STEM interest among the younger generation, aligning with the State’s goals for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and SDG 15 “Life on Land.”
Article prepared by Dr. Elvy Quatrin Deka, Zoological Technology Programme, FRST, UNIMAS.