SEMPORNA, September 8th 2023 – 15 students from the Faculty of Leadership and Management (FKP) at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), specializing in Akidah and Religion Studies, Da’wah and Islamic Management, and the Communication Program, successfully completed their Civil Society Development Program with the residents of Kulapuan Island in Semporna, Sabah, recently.

This program involves field studies aimed at improving the social status of the people on Kulapuan Island. Additionally, it includes health activities and free dental treatments in collaboration with the USIM Faculty of Dentistry and the Sabah State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM).

Program director Nur Aimi Farhana Nasrudin explained that the program’s primary goal is to contribute expertise in community development while also enhancing students’ soft skills and serving marginalized communities through various community activities.

“The activities carried out include dental treatment services, tazkirah and lectures, forums, educational motivation, communal work (gotong-royong), and sports.”

She added, “Furthermore, this program provides students with exposure to building soft skills, fostering a caring nature, and developing leadership and management abilities within a multi-racial society.”

Meanwhile, one of the participants, 23-year-old Nur Tasyamin Khalish, a third-year student in the Communication Program, expressed her excitement about participating in this community program. It provided her with a new experience to share knowledge and immerse herself in the culture of the Kulapuan Island community.

“In addition, this program can open students’ eyes to the importance of participating in volunteer activities to serve the surrounding community. It also raises their awareness of the hardships faced by less fortunate communities.”

She hopes that the Kulapuan Island community would receive the attention it deserves to improve their quality of life, socioeconomics, and education, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The program, organized by FKP USIM in collaboration with the non-governmental organization (NGO) Semporna Prihatin, was supported by five accompanying lecturers and sponsored by various institutions, including Tabung Haji, the Religious Unit of Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Taqwa Foundation, Bandar Enstek Mosque, Surau Al-Firdaus, and Nilai Impian (SAFNI).

Written by:
Noorumaina Mohamed Yunus
Translated by:
Nor Fadzlina Azahari
Pusat Komunikasi Strategik (StraComm)
Aras 1, Canselori Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai Negeri Sembilan