KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSIT) recently hosted an impactful Service Learning event that brought together academics, industry professionals, NGOs, and local community leaders.
Aligned with FCSIT’s Research Open Day, this initiative aimed to bridge academia and community, fostering innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.
The event opened with FCSIT Service Learning coordinators, Dr. Suhaila Saee and Madam Rosita Mohamed Othman, leading a session titled ‘Service Learning dan Impaknya kepada Komuniti.’
They shared how the program empowers students to work directly with local communities, addressing real-world challenges and encouraging community engagement.
Following this, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halikul Lenando presented a talk on TRIZ methodology, showcasing its use as a catalyst for community-driven innovation.
Halikul emphasized how TRIZ has enabled community members and entrepreneurs to creatively address unique challenges, sparking particular interest among industry attendees.
The event also featured a memorable community-sharing session led by Dato Hajah Norhyati Mohd Ismail, Deputy Chairperson of the Sarawak Federation of Women’s Associations (PPWS).
She recounted how FCSIT’s Service Learning initiatives have empowered local women, underscoring the sustained benefits of university-community partnerships.
Her inspiring words highlighted the transformative potential of collaborations that bring expertise, resources, and support into community initiatives.
The day’s highlight was an interactive dialogue session with panelists, including Dato Hajah Norhyati, Dr. Suhaila, and Ketua Kampung Ahmad Mail.
This lively exchange, moderated by Dr. Halikul, explored how integrating ICT into Service Learning projects could enhance digital literacy and address community-specific issues.
Participants also visited FCSIT’s innovative paddy plantation research project, where Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nooralamshah demonstrated the integration of IoT devices and solar technology in agriculture.
This initiative, supported by local educational institutions, promises to modernize farming practices and inspire technology-driven change within the agricultural sector.
The UNIMAS Service Learning event was a resounding success, underscoring the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change.
As technology continues to open doors, such partnerships will remain crucial in empowering communities and fostering sustainable development throughout Sarawak and beyond.
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