Mohamed Nadzri Mohamed Sharif
The Service Learning Malaysia-University for Society (SULAM) 2026 programme, organised by the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), Sunway College Kuala Lumpur, successfully implemented six community-based initiatives benefiting the Mah Meri Orang Asli community in Kampung Sungai Judah, Carey Island, Selangor. Conducted between May and August 2026, the initiatives enhanced community well-being while providing students with valuable opportunities to apply academic knowledge to real-world social challenges.
The programme commenced on 2 May 2026, with the “Empowering Mah Meri Community” project launch at the Boulevard, Sunway College. The initiative provided members of the Mah Meri community the opportunity to showcase and market their traditional handicrafts and agricultural products to a wider audience. Students supported sales operations, gaining hands-on experience in communication, marketing, and financial management while helping expand market opportunities for the community.
On 13 May 2026, the initiative “Breaking the Silence: Raising Awareness on Period Poverty” was carried out at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Sungai Judah. The programme focused on addressing ongoing period poverty among women and female students in rural communities. Through student-led fundraising efforts, essential menstrual hygiene items, including sanitary pads, storage drawers, waste bins, baskets, and handwash supplies, were donated to the school. This initiative not only helped raise awareness of women’s reproductive health but also encouraged sustained community involvement in addressing social welfare issues.
The community engagement continued with SULAM Annual Day (SUAD) 2026, held on 19 June 2026 at JC 3 Auditorium, Sunway University. The event welcomed 30 students and three teachers from SK Kampung Sungai Judah and provided a platform for learning, celebration, and cultural exchange. A special “AI for Kids” session introduced the Orang Asli students to basic concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI), encouraging them to explore emerging technologies in an accessible and engaging manner. The event also featured presentations highlighting the achievements of SULAM 2025 projects, a montage showcasing programme activities, and a captivating cultural performance by members of the Mah Meri community. Through these activities, SUAD 2026 strengthened the connection between the campus and community while providing a platform to celebrate and preserve Mah Meri cultural heritage.
Economic empowerment remained a key focus on 20 July 2026 through the “Home Economics Project (ERT) – Baking Class”, conducted at Balai Ilmu, Kampung Sungai Judah. The hands-on training programme provided 15 community participants with direct guidance from professional instructors in bread and pastry making. Participants were introduced to essential techniques such as dough preparation, kneading, shaping, and decorating. Additionally, the community was provided with essential equipment and resources, including electric ovens, dough mixers, freezers, and raw materials to support continuous production activities and create opportunities for the participants to develop a sustainable source of household income.
On the same day, the Electric Scooter Mobility Initiative was introduced to address transportation challenges faced by students in Kampung Sungai Judah. Led by lecturers and diploma students from Sunway College, the initiative provided an electric scooter to assist teachers in transporting students who experience difficulties travelling to school regularly. The initiative offered a practical solution to the village’s challenging road conditions while promoting environmentally sustainable mobility. By supporting students’ access to education and promoting greener mobility, the project contributed to both educational accessibility and sustainable community development.
The programme concluded with the Food Handling and Typhoid Vaccination Course at the Sijangkang Dialysis Centre, Selangor, on 8 August 2026 with an involvement of 29 participants from the Orang Asli community and CCE Sunway College staff. In collaboration with Yayasan Sa-Hasanahku and supported by YB Dato’ Dr Ahmad Yunus bin Hairi, Member of Parliament for Kuala Langat and State Assemblyman for Sijangkang, the programme strengthened participants’ knowledge of food and safety hygiene, with participants receiving typhoid vaccinations and certificates upon completion. These are important requirements for undertaking food production activities safely and professionally, and will further support the development and sustainability of the ERT-Baking Class project.
Overall, these initiatives have successfully reflected Sunway College and the Centre for Continuing Education’s (CCE) commitment to meaningful community engagement and sustainable social impact. By connecting academic learning with community needs, the programme contributed to the livelihood and empowerment of the Mah Meri community while nurturing socially responsible students.
