Written by Najiha Zainudin
Program Cintakan Negara under Kampung Angkat MADANI (KAM), continues to reflect UNIMAS’ commitment to meaningful community engagement, particularly in bridging higher education with rural communities through civic empowerment, leadership development and social cohesion. The initiative highlights the role of universities not only as centers of learning but also as active partners in nurturing democratic values and societal well-being.
The programme encompasses three core components:
- Program Kesedaran dan Pendidikan Pengundi, in collaboration with the Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya Malaysia (SPR)
- Program Komuniti MADANI, Sejarah dan Budaya Disanjung
- Program Kepimpinan Belia MADANI, in collaboration with Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia (AKM).
These components serve to strengthen political literacy, enhance civic consciousness, and cultivate leadership potential among the youth and community members of Kampung Semera Lot.
Program Komuniti MADANI, Sejarah dan Budaya Disanjung
This programme was designed to strengthen social bonds between UNIMAS students and the Kampung Semera Lot community through an immersive, experiential learning approach. It centred on cultural appreciation, community unity, and active engagement, giving students firsthand experience of local life by staying with foster families over two days.
Day One — 1 November 2025
The day began with students gathering at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities before departing for Kampung Semera Lot at 10:30 AM. Upon arrival, participants shared a communal lunch with the community, a simple but meaningful start that set the tone for a warm and inclusive weekend. At 1:30 PM, welcoming remarks were delivered by the Penghulu of Kampung Semera Lot and Programme Representative, Dr Adibah Yusuf, followed by the formal handover of students to their foster families. Students then returned to their respective homes to begin bonding and settling into their new environment.
The highlight of the day unfolded at 9:00 PM during Malam Sejarah dan Budaya MADANI. The evening featured cultural performances and a traditional singing contest, with enthusiastic participation from both students and foster parents. Laughter, applause and supportive cheers filled the hall, reflecting the strong connections formed in just a short time. The event beautifully showcased MADANI values which are empathy, inclusivity, respect and community spirit.
Day Two — 2 November 2025
The second day kicked off with an energetic aerobics and Zumba session at 8:00 AM, creating a lively atmosphere and promoting teamwork between students and villagers. Students then returned to their foster homes for breakfast and continued participating in household routines, gaining deeper insight into local culture and daily life.
The closing ceremony commenced at 2:30 PM with the presentation of appreciation tokens to foster families as an acknowledgment of their generosity, warmth, and willingness to open their homes to UNIMAS students. Closing remarks by Dr Adibah Yusuf and the Penghulu emphasized that this collaboration is not a one-off effort, but a foundation for long-term community development partnerships. The programme ended with a group photo session and afternoon tea before participants returned to campus.
The Program Komuniti MADANI, Sejarah dan Budaya Disanjung successfully strengthened ties between UNIMAS students and the Kampung Semera Lot community through meaningful cultural immersion and hands-on engagement. Over two days, students experienced the community’s traditions, values and daily life, fostering empathy, unity, and mutual understanding. Beyond enriching students’ appreciation of local heritage, the programme also laid a strong foundation for sustainable collaboration and future community development efforts, ensuring that the partnership between UNIMAS and Kampung Semera Lot continues to grow in impact and purpose.
FSSH – A Partner for Social Change