Written by Dr Farah Zaini and Julian Eymard Sigah Anak Suling
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) collaborated in organising Smart Community 2.0, or SMARTCOM 2.0, at Kampung Selanyau, Bekenu, Miri, from 27 to 29 July 2026.
The programme involved 36 university students and was conducted with the support of Sekolah Kebangsaan Selanyau and the Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) Kampung Selanyau.
UNIMAS Promotes Experiential Learning through Explorer Cilik
UNIMAS conducted two main activities, namely Explorer Cilik and a used cooking oil soap-making workshop. Explorer Cilik involved all 66 pupils of SK Selanyau and was designed as an interactive learning programme focusing on safety, climate change, environmental sustainability, social communication and public facilities. The session began with an awareness talk on personal safety, environmental conservation and climate change. The pupils were then divided into groups and rotated through four learning stations.
UNIMAS also organised a hands-on used cooking oil soap-making workshop involving 30 participants. Each participant produced their own cleaning soap while learning how used cooking oil could be repurposed into a useful household product. The activity introduced participants to responsible waste management and the basic principles of a circular economy.
Agriculture, Technology and Community Well-being
UMS conducted practical sessions on compost fertiliser and hydroponic cultivation. These sessions introduced participants to organic waste management, small-scale cultivation and sustainable food production.
UTM conducted an interactive Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics session, allowing pupils to explore sensors, automation and the applications of technology in daily life.
Other activities included dental screenings conducted by the Miri Dental Office, community cooking activities, recreational activities and Malam Rentak Budaya.
Developing Socially Responsible Students
For the 36 participating university students, SMARTCOM 2.0 served as a platform to develop communication, leadership, teamwork, programme management and problem-solving skills.
The involvement of three universities enabled students from different backgrounds to exchange ideas, share expertise and work together in delivering activities for the community.
SMARTCOM 2.0 supports the aspirations of PCDS 2030 by promoting social inclusion, environmental sustainability and innovation at the community level. Activities such as Explorer Cilik, composting, hydroponics, used cooking oil soap-making, IoT and robotics translated these priorities into practical learning for pupils and the community. The collaboration between universities, schools, agencies and JKKK Kampung Selanyau also demonstrated the importance of partnerships in advancing inclusive and sustainable development in Sarawak.
Voices from the Programme
UNIMAS Programme Director Julian Eymard Sigah Anak Suling said SMARTCOM 2.0 was more than a community outreach programme.
“This programme has been a valuable opportunity for students to put the values of service, empathy and shared responsibility into action. We hope the relationships built through this initiative will continue to inspire positive change and strengthen partnerships between the universities and the community,” he said.
UMS SMARTCOM 2.0 Programme Director Norlina Abdul Hamid described the programme as a meaningful opportunity for university students to engage directly with the community.
“SMARTCOM 2.0 provided students with the opportunity to go into the community, share their knowledge and interact directly with community members. The programme benefited the community through educational, skills-based and social activities, while helping students strengthen their communication, teamwork and leadership skills,” she said.
UNIMAS Programme Adviser Dr Farah Zaini said the programme demonstrated the value of practical and participatory learning.
“Universities contribute knowledge and expertise, but students also learn from the experiences, values and local knowledge of the community. This mutual learning process is essential in building meaningful and respectful university-community partnerships,” she said.
The organisers expressed their appreciation to JKKK Kampung Selanyau, SK Selanyau, the Miri Dental Office, the 12 foster families and the Kampung Selanyau community.
Appreciation was also extended to Rh Kare ak Ajak, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Sedulur, Malaysian Red Crescent Society Miri, C&F Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Twinine Sdn Bhd, Persatuan Alumni Universiti Taxes (PAUT), Kilang Mee Tien Hock, Rosemary and Sufian Cafe for their sponsorship, assistance and support throughout the programme.
FSSH – A Partner for Social Change
Photo by Abang Nuradha Azri bin Abang Nuradzlan