From the 4th-6th of June 2024, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), in collaboration with the Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI) and World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) embarked on a significant initiative in Kampung Darau and Marakau, Sabah. The program aimed to build a robust partnership between these 4 stakeholders, focusing on transferring knowledge and skills to local communities. This initiative was dedicated to enhancing the participating student’s knowledge, skills, and technology, enabling them to share what they learn with the communities so the community could achieve self-sustainable economies in the future.

The theme “Toward Self-Sustainability Community’s Economy” reflects the program’s commitment to empowering the communities with the tools and knowledge necessary for long-term economic independence. Over the three days, various programs and sessions were held to address different aspects of community development and sustainability. This program supports Sustainable Development Goal 17, “Partnerships for the Goals,” by fostering collaboration between academic institutions, communities, and organizations. The initiative exemplifies how partnerships can drive progress toward sustainable development, particularly in empowering communities through shared knowledge, skills, and technological innovation. By bringing together expertise from various fields, this program benefits the immediate communities and sets a precedent for future collaborative efforts to achieve sustainable development across different regions. The participating students will all get expertise-sharing sessions under their fields, such as Mangrove Planting, Pollution Control, Innovation From Aquaculture, Dental Health Care, Mushroom Cultivation, Digital Marketing, and more topics.

A diverse group of students representing the Faculty of Public Health, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Faculty of Advanced and Multidisciplinary Technology, and lecturers from various areas of expertise will participate in this impactful program. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience, beginning with the first two days dedicated to expertise-sharing sessions. These sessions aim to equip the students with a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and conditions faced by the communities they will engage with, specifically Kampung Darau and Kampung Marakau. Through these interactive sessions, students will gain valuable knowledge and practical skills essential for effectively contributing to the development and empowerment of these communities. The program fosters academic growth and encourages the application of interdisciplinary knowledge in real-world settings, ultimately aiming to create a positive and lasting impact on the communities involved.