Written by Dr Khalid Zanudin
In moving towards safeguarding human rights and national security, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) hosted a strategic engagement with the National Strategic Office (NSO) of the Majlis Antipemerdagangan Orang dan Antipenyeludupan Migran (MAPO) on 29th January 2026.
MAPO, led by Dr Azriey Mazlan from the Promotion Division of NSO, sought to bridge the gap between academic research and government enforcement. The session focused on addressing human trafficking issues and raising awareness within the university ecosystem, ensuring that both students and staff are equipped to handle the complexities of this global challenge.
A Collaborative Shield Against Exploitation
FSSH, guided by its tagline “A Partner for Social Change,” is uniquely positioned to provide the socio-economic research and advocacy needed to support MAPO’s national mis sion. The discussions highlighted several key areas for future collaboration:
- Preventative Education: Developing specialised curriculum and workshops to educate the UNIMAS community on the indicators of human trafficking and the tactics used by migrant smugglers.
- Policy-Driven Research: Utilising the faculty’s expertise in social sciences to provide evidence-based insights into the drivers of trafficking within the Borneo region.
- Institutional Advocacy: Establishing a direct communication channel between the university and the Ministry of Home Affairs to streamline awareness campaigns and reporting mechanisms.
Academic Insight Meets Federal Action
Dr Azriey Mazlan emphasised that universities are crucial partners in the national strategy to eliminate trafficking. “By educating the youth and leveraging academic expertise, we can create a more vigilant society that is resilient against the tactics of exploiters,” he noted during the session.
For FSSH, this partnership reflects a deep commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By integrating national security concerns into the academic sphere, the faculty ensures that its graduates are not only socially conscious but also prepared to contribute to the nation’s safety and rule of law.
Moving Forward
The discussion marks the beginning of a sustained partnership. Both parties expressed a shared vision of transforming the campus into a hub for anti-trafficking advocacy, where scholarly work translates directly into social protection. As UNIMAS continues to lead in community and industrial engagement, this alliance with MAPO stands as a testament to the university’s role in shaping a safer, more just future for all.
FSSH – A Partner for Social Change