By, Dr. Adibah Amir
On 27 December 2025, Saturday, the Department of Higher Education (JPT) officially marked a milestone in community empowerment with the launch of the Program Kampung Angkat MADANI and Sekolah Angkat MADANI. The event, held from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, focused on two main locations: Kampung Melayu Wira Damai and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sungai Kertas. The program was launched by the Director General of Higher Education, Datuk Professor Dr Azlinda Azman, signalling a robust commitment to bridging the gap between academia and the grassroots.
This initiative is unique in its scale, featuring 15 specialized projects executed by a coalition of Malaysia’s leading public universities. The participating institutions include, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), and Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM). These projects span various fields, from digital literacy and educational support at SMK Sungai Kertas to sustainable agriculture and economic development within the Kampung Melayu Wira Damai.
As a representative of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in the Projek Usahawan Madu Kelulut, being part of this project has been a deeply rewarding experience. The opportunity to work alongside experienced academicians has provided a unique vantage point on how knowledge is transferred from the laboratory to the community. In our Kelulut project, we don’t just see the bees, we see the potential for a self-sustaining economy for the people of Wira Damai. It is an honor to serve as the bridge between IIUM’s research expertise and the local agropreneurs who are eager to embrace new technologies and ethical business practices.
In her speech, Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman emphasized that the Kampung Angkat and Sekolah Angkat models are not merely one-off projects, but long-term strategic partnerships. By involving multiple universities, the program ensures a holistic development approach, addressing education, economy, and social well-being simultaneously.
Moving forward, the Kampung Angkat MADANI and Sekolah Angkat MADANI initiatives are expected to deliver long-term benefits to both the local community and the school, particularly in strengthening economic resilience, enhancing educational outcomes, and fostering sustainable knowledge transfer. Through continuous engagement between universities, communities, and students, these programmes aim to create inclusive growth and meaningful impact.
Dr. Adibah Bt. Amir is an Assistant Professor from the Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia.***
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