By Noorhaslina Senin
The Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts (FACA), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), has marked another proud achievement on the international stage as its SULAM project, “Community-based Participatory Research for Sustainable Tourism in Kampung Peros,” was shortlisted for Research Project of the Year: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at THE Awards Asia 2026.
The awards ceremony was held on 22 April 2026 at Cloud 39, The Henderson, in Central Hong Kong. The event was organised in conjunction with the THE Asia Universities Summit 2026, which took place from 22 to 24 April 2026 at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
UNIMAS was represented at the ceremony by Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, Director of the Strategic Planning, Quality Management, and Risk Centre (SQRC), Professor Gs. Dr Tarmiji Bin Masron, and Noorhaslina Senin, Project Leader of the shortlisted FACA SULAM project.
While the project was not named the category winner, its selection as a finalist is a meaningful recognition for FACA, UNIMAS and Service Learning Malaysia. It highlights the potential of community-based research, creative practice and service learning to address real community needs while contributing to sustainable development.
The project was carried out through the collective commitment of SULAM instructors, students, community members and strategic partners. The SULAM instructors involved were Miss Noorhaslina Senin, Miss Doris Maying, Mdm Candida Jau Emang, Mr Aliffazraie Jali, Dr Hishamuddin Siri, Dr Asrul Asshadi Mohammad Morni, and Mr Amir Hassan Mohd Shah. They worked together with students from the Design Technology, Fine Arts and Cinematography programmes, Batch 2024/2025, and the Kampung Peros community.
The initiative also received valuable support from the Forest Department Sarawak, Borneo Lab through the On Reciprocity programme, Pocket Production through the Smartphone Videography Workshop, Dr Mohammad Faizuan bin Mat and team through the ke-DIAM-an Project, and the University Sustainability Centre.
The project focused on strengthening sustainable tourism in Kampung Peros through a community-based participatory research approach. By working closely with the community, the project explored local needs, cultural identity, tourism potential and community aspirations. This collaborative process led to the development of creative outputs and engagement activities that supported the visibility of Kampung Peros as a tourism destination while respecting its local values and cultural context.
The project involved 90 students and seven lecturers from design technology, fine arts and cinematography. The team co-created social media platforms, promotional content, murals and short documentaries to promote Kampung Peros and its natural attraction, Bung Podad.
The project was also recognised for improving digital skills, increasing online engagement, encouraging tourist visits and inspiring follow-up initiatives.
This latest achievement marks the third time FACA has been shortlisted for THE Awards Asia. Previous recognitions include “Semarak Pertiwiku: The Musical,” which won THE Awards Asia 2020 for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts, and “Willingness to Share Malay Culture Heritage with the Sarawak Museum Collection,” which was shortlisted for Research Project of the Year: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences in THE Awards Asia 2024.
The experience of attending the THE Asia Universities Summit 2026 also provided valuable insights into the role of universities in shaping innovation, partnerships and social impact. The summit, themed “Igniting Global Transformation: Asia’s Leadership,” explored Asia’s growing role in innovation and the responsibility of universities in responding to future challenges through higher education.
For FACA, this international recognition reinforces the relevance of art, design and creative practice in addressing community issues. It also demonstrates that projects developed with local communities can gain wider visibility when they are guided by collaboration, ethical engagement and shared purpose. Although Kampung Peros is a rural community, its local stories, cultural knowledge and aspirations have become meaningful foundations for research, learning and sustainable tourism development.
Overall, the shortlisting of the FACA SULAM project at THE Awards Asia 2026 represents an important milestone for FACA, UNIMAS and Service Learning Malaysia. It serves as a reminder that community engagement, when developed through respect, creativity and collaboration, can generate meaningful outcomes for students, academics, partners and communities. This recognition will continue to inspire FACA to strengthen its Service Learning initiatives and expand its contribution to community-based creative research and socially engaged art and design practice.