Planting the Seeds of Leadership: UNIMAS Champions Change at SK Bukit Nibong, Sarikei

Written by Dayangku Norasyikin Awang Tejuddin

Samarahan, 23 May 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) continues to lead by example in cultivating civic awareness and leadership among youth through an engaging outreach program at SK Bukit Nibong, Sarikei. A total of 42 student facilitators, primarily from the Program of International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), connected with 67 enthusiastic primary school students in a one-day leadership enrichment initiative under the Service-Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM) banner.

UNIMAS students spark inspiration at SK Bukit Nibong, where learning meets leadership in a circle of shared dreams and joyful discovery.

The project, titled “Aspiring Leaders: Young Voices for a Better Future,” was spearheaded by student leader Wan Syahirah as part of the Politics of the Developing World course, under the guidance of lecturer Madam Dayangku Norasyikin Awang Tejuddin. The initiative aimed to instill values of leadership, social responsibility, and civic engagement among students from Primary 4 to Primary 6.

Nestled in the outskirts of Sarikei, SK Bukit Nibong proves that being rural never means being left behind, where spirit, pride, and education flourish beyond boundaries.

Through lively simulations, team-building activities, and thought-provoking discussions, participants discovered the power of their voices and actions. “I never thought I could be a leader,” shared a Primary 6 student. “But today, I learned that even small actions can make a big difference.” Another student reflected, “The activities were fun and made me think about how I can help others. I want to be someone who brings change.”

Healthy body, healthy mind, SK Bukit Nibong celebrates wellness and unity through active participation.

The program directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

– SDG 4: Quality Education

– SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

– SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

It also aligns with Focus Area 3: Knowledge Transfer and Sharing of the Higher Education Strategic Direction 2025 (HTPT 2025–Sejahtera MADANI) by the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), reinforcing the “1 IPT: 1 Daerah” vision under the university agenda.

A powerful collaboration between SK Bukit Nibong and UNIMAS through the SULAM program, where knowledge meets heart, and rural roots grow global visions.

The success of the event was made possible by the unwavering support of the leaders at SK Bukit Nibong and dedicated teachers, who cultivated an inclusive and inspiring environment for students to thrive.

“This program proves that leadership doesn’t begin in adulthood,” noted one of the student facilitators. “It begins when children are empowered to believe in their voices and ideas.”

By bridging academic theory with real-world application, UNIMAS has once again reaffirmed its commitment to holistic education, community engagement, and transformative learning. “Aspiring Leaders” stands as a proud testament to the university’s mission of shaping young agents of change, both in the classroom and beyond.