Beyond Differences: BRIDGE 2.0 Connects COMRADE IIUM and KOA Makmur

By, Sabrina Mohd Noor

GOMBAK, 25 September 2026: The Community Outreach for Orang Asli Development Club (COMRADE) IIUM strengthened its connection with the KOA Makmur community through BRIDGE: Connecting Two Different Cultures 2.0, held from 27 to 31 August 2026.

The five-day programme, organised in collaboration with Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli (JAKOA), involved members of the Orang Asli community and IIUM students. Guided by the programme’s 4H framework of Health, Hope, Harmony and Healing, BRIDGE 2.0 aimed to strengthen relationships while promoting community well-being and meaningful cultural exchange.

Under the Health pillar, COMRADE IIUM collaborated with the Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah (PKD) Ulu Kinta to conduct basic health screenings for adults and elderly members of the community. While the adults underwent health screenings, children aged four to 12 participated in a hygiene education session conducted by the committee which focused on proper tooth brushing and handwashing techniques.

The Harmony pillar was carried out through Ziarah Marhaban, involving house-to-house visits to the 120 houses in KOA Makmur to introduce the BRIDGE team, distribute food rations and share basic Islamic knowledge.

Meanwhile, the Hope featured interactive personal development modules through Hal Ehwal Apak (Helapak), Hal Ehwal Wanita (Helwani) and Hal Ehwal Anak (Helanak), which provided opportunities to learn traditional skills from the Orang Asli community, including making serudang, as well as learning how to prepare Ayam Buluh and use a sumpit. Meanwhile, Helanak (Hal Ehwal Anak) focused on engaging with the children through lessons on basic wuduk and prayer practices.

Under Healing, the Riadah and Jalinan Budaya session brought committee members and villagers together through recreational activities such as tug of war and traditional games, encouraging teamwork, sportsmanship and cultural exchange.

Additionally, one of the most memorable moments was the Ambang Merdeka celebration, which marked COMRADE IIUM’s first Merdeka celebration with the KOA Makmur community.

Programme Manager Ain Saffiya Awang Hamat described the celebration as more than just an activity, that it brought the Orang Asli community, participants and committee members together through a shared spirit of patriotism.

“We were not there simply to introduce our culture but to create a ‘bridge’ where both sides could learn and experience together,” she said.

The initiative reflects COMRADE IIUM’s commitment to build meaningful and sustainable relationships with Orang Asli communities while creating opportunities for university students to contribute beyond the campus through service, cultural exchange and community engagement.***