Putrajaya, 5 November 2025 — Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) has achieved a remarkable milestone after clinching the First Place in the Anugerah Khas YB Menteri Pendidikan Malaysia
Rekabentuk Kurikulum Dan Penyampaian Inovatif (AKRI) 2025 (Kategori: Pengalaman Pembelajaran Imersif Bersemuka).
The winning team from the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology (FSTS) comprises Associate Professor Dr. Rafeah binti Wahi (team leader), Dr. Junidah binti Lamaming, Dr. Muhammad Abdurrahman Munir, and Dr. Nor Hisam binti Zamakshshari. Their award-winning initiative, titled “CHEM-WISE: Empowering Future Chemists Through Industry and Community-Relevant Waste Management Design,” stood out for its innovation in integrating experiential learning and sustainability into science education.
The CHEM-WISE project, implemented through the course STK2983 Waste Management and Toxicology, applies experiential and service-learning (SULAM) approaches to equip students with real-world problem-solving skills in environmental sustainability. Through case studies, community engagement, and reflective learning, the program bridges academic theory with hands-on application in waste management and toxicology.
Since its introduction in 2021, CHEM-WISE has significantly impacted both students and the wider community. The initiative has enhanced learning outcomes, soft skills, and environmental awareness among more than 500 undergraduate chemistry students, while also engaging over 1,000 community participants across more than 60 environmental projects. The program’s success stems from strong collaboration with industries, government agencies, and community partners, fostering a holistic learning ecosystem that aligns with Malaysia’s green and sustainable education goals.
The AKRI Awards, established by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), celebrate excellence and innovation in teaching and learning design across Malaysian higher education institutions. The award aims to recognize outstanding educators and initiatives that reimagine higher education through impactful and sustainable pedagogical practices.
UNIMAS’ triumph at AKRI 2025 not only underscores the university’s leadership in innovative curriculum design but also highlights its commitment to transformative education, community empowerment, and sustainability-driven research.
