QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2027
Social Impact Knowledge ExchangeKE2 – Outreach projects (education, health, information services, reading, community engagement, tutorials) for the local community
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) actively engages with local communities by offering, managing, and delivering various outreach projects across multiple sectors, including education, health, information services, reading programs, community engagement, and tutorial sessions. These initiatives reflect UKM’s commitment to social responsibility, knowledge-sharing, and fostering sustainable development beyond the university campus.
Table KE2.1: Summary of the outreach projects (education, health, information services, reading, community engagement, tutorials) for the local community.
Detail of the outreach projects (education, health, information services, reading, community engagement, tutorials) for the local community at UKM is shown below:
1. Outreach Projects on Education & Tutorial Programs
UKM facilitates educational outreach programs that provide learning opportunities for underserved communities, including rural students, marginalized groups, and Orang Asli communities.Programs that offer educational opportunities, skill development, or resources to individuals or groups, especially underserved populations. These programs include:
- Free tutoring sessions for school students, covering core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and English.
- STEM workshops to encourage interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
- Academic mentorship programs where UKM students and lecturers guide school children in their studies and career aspirations.
Several examples of outreach projects on education & tutorial Programs at UKM is shown below:
a) School Holiday Program: Lestari 2.0 – Microbe Detective
Organized by the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FKAB), National University of Malaysia (UKM) on February 6, 2025, this program is designed to provide participants with an early exposure to microbial science through fun and engaging activities, allowing them to explore the world of microorganisms ranging from observing their various forms to understanding the everyday technological applications that harness their potential.
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b) Junior School Enrichment Programme 2025
Pusat PERMATA@Pintar Negara, UKM (PPpN UKM) also known as Malaysia National Gifted Centre, is located within the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) campus in Bangi, Selangor. Every year, this centre organises the Junior School Enrichment Programme (JSEP) aiming to help young kids develop their potential and become critical thinkers who are creative in innovative activities. This programme also provides holistic learning experiences where they can explore academic activities beyond the school curriculum. It offers opportunities for participants to build networks with one another and participate in learning activities that challenge their cognitive capabilities. Participants will be assisted with psychological support throughout the 2 days programme. They will also get to experience fun learning STEM-based enrichment activities.
c) Camp Dream. Speak. Live.
On September 23, 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences (FSK), National University of Malaysia (UKM) organized Camp Dream. Speak. Live., an intensive therapy program for children and adolescents who stutter. Local stuttering expert and Senior Lecturer of the FSK Speech Science Program, Associate Professor Dr. Chu Shin Ying, stated that the program demonstrates UKM’s commitment to supporting communities in need. The four-day program was managed by the Speech Science Program and the Center for Healthy Ageing & Wellness (H-CARE), FSK, in strategic partnership with the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research at the University of Texas at Austin, USA. Key topics discussed included self-disclosure, language and openness regarding stuttering, strategies for overcoming difficulties, speaking challenges, and navigating emotions with confidence.
d) Creative Recycling Program: Empowering Young Innovators
On September 17, 2025, approximately 100 students from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FKAB), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), in collaboration with the IEEE UKM Student Branch, conducted the Creative Recycling Program: Empowering Young Innovators at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Jalan Bukit, Kajang. The initiative aimed to provide exposure to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for 100 students from SMK Jalan Bukit, SMK Convent Kajang, SMK Jalan Reko, and SMK Bandar Baru Bangi. A total of 17 interactive STEAM kit modules were developed and utilized as experiential learning tools, tailored to the needs of the target groups and aligned with the secondary school syllabus for Science and Design and Technology (RBT). Through this program, students were able to witness firsthand how theoretical concepts are applied through real-world experiments while being given the creative space to design unique solutions using readily available recycled materials.
e) STEM-Socioeconomic and Basic Medical Health Screening Program
On August 7, 2025, the STEM-Socioeconomic and Basic Medical Health Screening Program, organized by the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FKAB) and the Faculty of Economics and Management (FEP), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), received an enthusiastic response from the community at the Kampung Orang Asli Kolam Air Community Hall, Negeri Sembilan. A total of 37 students from marginalized backgrounds, including Orang Asli and underprivileged youth aged 11 to 16, participated in an inclusive, experiential STEM project session featuring three interactive modules DIY Vacuum Cleaner Kit, DIY Doorbell, and EcoTech Telegraph: Exploring Electric Messages which were specifically developed to align with the target group’s needs and the Science and Design and Technology (RBT) secondary school syllabus. The design of these kits emphasized the use of recycled materials such as plastic bottles, caps, old newspapers, and used boxes, effectively fostering environmental sustainability awareness and responsibility among the participants through hands-on learning.
f) Youth Summer Camp
On August 29, 2025, MyFundAction, in collaboration with Kolej Tun Syed Nasir (KTSN), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), successfully organized the Youth Summer Camp (YSC), bringing together 50 young participants from across the nation. Held in conjunction with National Day celebrations, the YSC was designed to equip youth with the leadership, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving skills necessary to navigate modern challenges, while providing foundation and matriculation leavers with essential exposure before entering university life. Running from August 27 to 31, 2025, the program centered on youth development under a Merdeka-inspired theme, focusing on leadership empowerment, teamwork, and the cultivation of competitive self-identity. On August 30, participants engaged in community outreach by providing free health screenings at the Anjung Kembara Homeless Transit Centre in Kuala Lumpur, a vital activity aimed at fostering empathy, volunteerism, and a sense of social responsibility toward vulnerable urban populations.
g) Creative Recycling Program: Empowering Young Innovators
On December 3, 2025, 21 engineering students from UKM, in collaboration with the IEEE Malaysia Section, conducted the Creative Recycling Program: Empowering Young Innovators at Buku Jalanan Chow Kit (BJCK), Kuala Lumpur. Supported by the IEEE TryEngineering STEM Grant 2025, the initiative provided 30 marginalized and undocumented children (aged 6–17) with hands-on exposure to renewable energy. Participants built wind turbines using interactive STEM kits, experiencing practical learning that fostered a newfound passion for science and technology. This program serves as a scalable model for bringing inclusive STEM education to underserved communities.
h) Learn Machine Learning without the Code
On January 21, 2025, Wawasan Open University (WOU), Penang, hosted an interactive workshop titled “Learn Machine Learning without the Code,” featuring Ts. Dr. Lim Chen Kim from the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Organized by the School of Digital Technology (DiGiT), this initiative introduced a user-friendly approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) that bypasses the need for traditional programming. During the session, Dr. Lim covered fundamental ML concepts, including problem-solving processes, model selection, and performance evaluation techniques using real-world data. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises to build predictive models through no-code platforms, gaining a practical understanding of how algorithms and data interact. This collaboration not only strengthened students’ grasp of AI across fields like healthcare, finance, and e-commerce but also fostered academic ties between UKM and WOU in promoting digital literacy and future educational innovation.
i) InsureLit 2.0 Program: Helps Students Manage Finance and Insurance
On November 18, 2025, the Health Sciences Faculty Student Association (PMFSK) delivered InsureLit 2.0, an educational outreach program specifically designed to enhance financial and insurance literacy among the local student community. This one-day initiative engaged approximately 200 students through an interactive board game that simplified complex concepts of earning, saving, and protection, alongside a forum session providing practical tips on maintaining healthy financial habits for the younger generation. By combining gamified learning with expert discussion, the program successfully moved beyond simple awareness to inspire and equip participants with the essential skills needed to manage life’s financial risks through insurance and takaful.
j) EcoShapers@UKM Program: Empower the Culture of Sustainable Practices
On August 5, 2025, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a community outreach initiative titled EcoShapers@UKM Series 5, engaging 50 students from various faculties in an experiential learning program at Kuala Selangor Nature Park to promote sustainable practices and healthy lifestyles. This collaborative project, supported by the Malaysia Research University Network (MRUN) and researchers from both UKM and Universiti Malaya, aimed to translate Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) into localized action through hands-on environmental conservation. In partnership with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), participants conducted a mangrove forest cleanup, successfully removing 186.1 kg of marine debris trapped within the ecosystem in just two hours. By integrating community engagement with ecological restoration, the program effectively fostered a culture of sustainability while addressing the critical preservation of local coastal environments.
k) SULAM: Organic Hand Sanitizer Workshop
On February 13, 2025, a group of students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered an education outreach project at Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Kelana to promote early-childhood hygiene and disease prevention. To support this initiative, the students developed an Organic Hand Sanitizer formulated from natural ingredients including aloe vera, lemon, ethanol, and essential oils. Prior to the outreach, the product underwent rigorous testing, including skin sensitivity checks and a month-long trial with UKM students to ensure durability and effectiveness, all of which yielded positive feedback. By introducing this user-friendly organic sanitizer to primary school students, the program successfully provided essential exposure to hand hygiene practices while demonstrating the practical application of sustainable, organic solutions for public health within the local community.
l) Science and Mathematics Knowledge Exploration Camp
From November 17 to 20, 2025, the Science and Mathematics Knowledge Exploration Camp was delivered as a massive educational outreach project by FPRISMatik and the Mathematics Club of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), at the National Space Agency (MySA). This four-day STEM initiative engaged nearly 1,200 students from the Kuala Langat district, providing a specialized platform to discover and nurture mathematical and scientific talent through creative learning and higher-order thinking. By integrating real-world experiments and immersive hands-on activities, the program successfully bridged the gap between classroom theory and practical application, reinforcing the university’s commitment to delivering high-impact educational tutorials and community engagement for the local student population.
m) UKM STEM Day 2025
On August 19, 2025, the Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS) and the National PERMATA@Pintar Center at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered UKM STEM Day 2025, a comprehensive educational outreach project designed to strengthen the link between the university and the local community. This initiative engaged 500 participants, including students from Hulu Langat schools such as SMK Jalan Reko, SMK Kajang Utama, and SMK Dengkil, providing them with a specialized platform for STEM discovery and career exploration. The program featured a diverse range of educational services, including a STEM Career Forum, the TikTok Challenge, and the STEM Innovation Research Exhibition (IREx) 2025, which showcased projects from 34 groups across school, pre-university, and university levels. Additionally, through an interactive “Explorace” activity, students were given the unique opportunity to tour 12 research laboratories, effectively demonstrating UKM’s commitment to delivering high-impact tutorials and expanding the reach of STEM education to the next generation.
n) Space Ranger Camp: A Day In The Cosmos
On August 9, 2025, the Faculty of Science and Technology at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered the Space Ranger Camp, an educational outreach project designed to provide specialized science tutorials for the local community. The program engaged approximately 80 participants in high-impact STEM activities, including rocket launching, telescope construction, and interactive “alien hunts,” all while exploring astronomical wonders from the solar system to exoplanets. Managed by 20 expert facilitators—primarily students from the Department of Applied Physics—the initiative received full departmental and faculty support to ensure the effective delivery of hands-on educational experiences. By combining creative mentorship with practical scientific exploration, the program successfully fulfilled the university’s mission to offer accessible, high-quality educational services and community engagement for aspiring young scientists.
o) Basic Emergency First Aid Briefing for Malaysian Red Crescent Students, UKM
On November 6, 2025, the UKM Health Centre delivered a specialized educational outreach and tutorial program titled the Basic Emergency First Aid Briefing for the Malaysian Red Crescent (BSMM) student members at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. This initiative, designed specifically for new members, provided both theoretical and practical training in basic first aid to ensure students are prepared as first responders during campus emergencies and official university duties, such as sports events and convocation ceremonies. By offering targeted tutorials on emergency response, the program aimed to enhance students’ technical competency and confidence, empowering them to act swiftly, decisively, and correctly when managing accidents or minor injuries. This outreach effort underscores the university’s commitment to delivering essential health education and life-saving skills training to the local student community.
p) Parent Empowerment Workshop: Prayer (Solat) for People with Disabilities (OKU)
On January 17, 2026, the Autism Learning Lab at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a specialized educational outreach program titled the Parent Empowerment Workshop: Prayer (Solat) for People with Disabilities (OKU), specifically designed for the parents of students at the lab. This community engagement initiative aimed to strengthen the spiritual and emotional support systems for autistic children by providing parents with targeted tutorials on using prayer as a holistic medium for behavioral and emotional development. The workshop offered guidance on a gradual, flexible, and individualized approach to religious practice, tailored to each student’s specific functional level and capabilities. By offering these specialized educational services, the program successfully provided the local community with practical tools to enhance the well-being and spiritual resilience of children with disabilities.
q) UKM Fun STEM Challenge Day
On December 8, the STEM Development Research Centre at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), in collaboration with the Henry Gurney School Telok Mas (SHGTM), Melaka, delivered the “UKM Fun STEM Challenge Day” as a specialized educational outreach and tutorial program for the local community. This initiative engaged 30 academic-cluster prospects in high-impact STEM activities designed to boost interest and literacy through interactive learning modules such as 3D printing, food conveyors, tower construction, balloon cars, and biomimicry. Managed by a team of eleven expert facilitators—comprising lecturers and students from the Faculty of Education—the program provided hands-on mentoring and technical guidance tailored to the participants’ development. By bringing high-level STEM education to a specialized school setting, the project successfully demonstrated UKM’s commitment to delivering inclusive, accessible, and practical tutorial services to diverse segments of the community.
r) English Language Camp
On December 6 and 7, 2025, the Faculty of Education at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered an intensive English Language Camp as a high-impact educational outreach project for 84 students and four teachers from Baitul Hasanah, under the management of the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS). This two-day initiative, fully sponsored by LZS and the Faculty, utilized a “Service Learning” approach to combine community engagement with structured tutorials focused on modern English acquisition strategies. The program featured an extraordinary mentorship ratio, with 9 UKM lecturers and 334 TESL undergraduate students from Years 1, 2, and 3 providing personalized, face-to-face guidance to enhance the participants’ communication skills and confidence. By integrating academic expertise with community service, this project successfully demonstrated UKM’s commitment to offering specialized tutorial programs that contribute to the educational development and social mobility of the local community.
s) Professional Certificate Course in Instrumentation Analysis and Characterization of Psychoactive Substances
On 4 December 2025 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) offers and delivers specialized educational outreach and professional tutorial programs for the local community and national enforcement agencies, as demonstrated by the Professional Certificate Course in Instrumentation Analysis and Characterization of Psychoactive Substances tailored for the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). This intensive training program aims to empower forensic and narcotics officers with advanced technical expertise in utilizing sophisticated laboratory instruments for the precise identification and profiling of synthetic and organic drugs. By bridging the gap between academic research and frontline law enforcement, the course provides high-level tutorials on modern chemical characterization techniques, ensuring that participants are equipped with the latest scientific knowledge to enhance the accuracy of criminal investigations and substance analysis. This initiative underscores the university’s commitment to providing targeted community education and specialized skill development that directly contributes to national security and public safety.
2) Outreach Projects on Health and Medical
UKM organizes health awareness campaigns and free medical check-ups, ensuring local communities have access to vital healthcare services. Initiatives that promote healthcare awareness, provide medical services, or encourage healthy lifestyles within the community. Key initiatives include:
- Free medical screening for chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
- Mental health awareness programs to provide counseling and emotional support.
- Dental and eye check-up campaigns for children and the elderly.
- Public health talks and workshops on nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention.
Several examples of outreach projects on health and medical at UKM is shown below:
a) G-TOD Program
On November 12, 2025, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a specialized pediatric health outreach project through the G-TOD Programme (Gigi Tiruan/Oral Development) in collaboration with Taska Permata KTSN. This Ministry of Health (MOH) initiative, managed by UKM’s dental and healthcare teams, was specifically designed to strengthen early childhood oral healthcare for the local community by providing professional dental screenings and interactive health tutorials for toddlers and young children. The program focused on the early detection of dental issues and the delivery of age-appropriate education on oral hygiene to both children and their caregivers.
b) Pediatric Dental Wellness: A Clinical Outreach and Awareness Program
The Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), organized an oral health promotion program for children at the Dataran Maybank Childcare Centre (DMCC) on 20 December 2025. The program, which was jointly organized by the Postgraduate Society of the Faculty of Dentistry and the Secretariat of Industry and Community Engagement Affairs (HEJIM), aimed to promote oral health awareness through talks, demonstrations, basic dental check-ups, interactive games, and a zumba session. It involved postgraduate students from UKM as well as international students from UNJANI and UNIMUS, with the presence of faculty representatives and partners. The initiative fostered early awareness of the importance of oral health care among children and to have benefited the wider community.
c) Sunathon Community Service Program
On December 21, 2025, the University Health Centre (PKU) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a high-impact medical and health outreach project through its participation in the Sunathon Community Service Program at Surau As-Syakirin, Bukit Jalil. Organized in collaboration with the UKM Center for Liberal Studies (Pusat Pengajian Citra), the initiative provided essential healthcare services to the local community, including professional health screening booths and life-saving tutorials. Members of the Malaysian Red Crescent (BSMM) UKM conducted live CPR demonstrations and practical emergency response training for visitors, aimed at enhancing public health literacy and empowering citizens with critical first-aid skills. By combining clinical screenings with hands-on medical education, the program successfully demonstrated UKM’s commitment to managing and delivering accessible health intervention and educational services within a community setting.
d) Orang Asli Community Health Screening Program: The Malaysian Cohort (TMC) Project
On May 30, 2025, the The Malaysian Cohort (TMC) research team at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a specialized health and medical outreach project at the Padang Orang Asli Village Community Hall in Sungai Congkak, Selangor, focusing on recruitment and health screenings for the indigenous Orang Asli community. This initiative, a vital sub-project of the “Towards Precision Health Malaysia” national program, successfully recruited 19 participants from three generations of the Proto-Malay (Temuan) lineage to undergo comprehensive biophysical measurements and blood and urine sampling. Managed as a high-impact community engagement effort, the program aims to identify early disease markers through genomics and proteomics while studying the interactions between genetics, environment, and lifestyle within minority populations.
e) HATI (Health Assistance, Treatment & Intervention)
On December 16, 2025, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a specialized health and medical outreach project titled HATI (Health Assistance, Treatment & Intervention) Project, which featured a free mobile health clinic in Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur. This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, managed by MBA students from the UKM Graduate School of Business under the supervision of Professor Dr. Norzalita bt. Abd Aziz, aimed to address critical healthcare gaps for the homeless and marginalized local community. The program provided essential medical services, including basic health screenings, necessary medications, preventive care tutorials, and hospital referral support, specifically designed to overcome barriers such as lack of identification, transportation issues, and social stigma.
f) Early Screening and Health Education for Women’s Cancer
On December 12, 2025, the Gynecologic Oncology unit of the Faculty of Medicine and Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a specialized health and medical outreach project titled Early Screening and Health Education for Women’s Cancer. Held at Dorsett Grand Subang, the Fuel for Love for Fighters Seminar engaged nearly 200 participants, including patients, cancer survivors, family members, health practitioners, and the local community. This initiative served as a vital community platform providing professional medical support, health tutorials, and motivational sessions to emphasize the critical importance of early prevention and intervention. By combining expert-led health talks with support service exhibitions and volunteer activities, the program successfully fostered public awareness of the challenges faced by patients and their families, reinforcing UKM’s commitment to managing and delivering high-impact medical education and health intervention programs for the community.
g) Emergency Care Provider Basic Competency Certificate
On November 14, 2025, the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), in collaboration with the Melaka State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), delivered a specialized medical outreach and tutorial program titled the Community Emergency Care Provider Basic Competency Certificate. As a key component of the Community Paramedic Initiative under the Melaka State Budget 2025, this project aimed to empower 35 selected local participants with the essential skills to provide accurate and confident initial medical treatment before professional help arrives. The competency-based training combined online learning with hands-on practical sessions, offering high-level tutorials on Basic Life Support (BLS), including adult, child, and infant CPR, the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED), and choking interventions. Furthermore, the program provided professional health education on wound management, bleeding control, burn treatment, and proper splinting techniques, effectively demonstrating UKM’s commitment to managing and delivering life-saving medical training and health-focused community engagement.
h) Chemical Information Management System (CIMS) and Classification Tool for Chemical Mixture (CATCH) Workshop 2025
On August 6, 2025, the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a specialized health and safety outreach project by hosting the Chemical Information Management System (CIMS) and Classification Tool for Chemical Mixture (CATCH) Workshop 2025 for the Central Zone. This technical tutorial program, held at the Cyber Technopolis Academy, engaged 100 industry representatives from major corporations—including BASF, PETRONAS, and Akzo Nobel Paint—to strengthen their capacity in complying with the Occupational Safety and Health (CLASS) Regulations 2013. By providing expert-led training on the CIMS and CATCH systems alongside legal case studies involving chemical safety violations, the initiative successfully bridged the gap between academic research and industrial application. This outreach effort underscores UKM’s commitment to managing and delivering professional health and medical-related safety programs that ensure the well-being of the workforce and the local industrial community through rigorous chemical hazard management.
i) Syed Nasir UKM Connects 2025
On August 5, 2025, thirty-one students and staff from Kolej Tun Syed Nasir (KTSN), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), delivered a high-impact medical and health outreach project titled Syed Nasir CONNECTS 2025 to support 74 pediatric cancer patients at the Kythe Foundation. Conducted in collaboration with Ateneo de Manila University, this community engagement initiative focused on providing vital psychosocial support and well-being interventions to young patients and their families. The program served as a transformative educational platform for UKM students, allowing them to apply healthcare-related soft skills and value-based leadership in a clinical support setting. By addressing the emotional and psychological dimensions of medical care, the project successfully demonstrated UKM’s commitment to managing and delivering holistic health programs that prioritize the welfare of vulnerable segments within the broader regional and local community.
j) “Eye to Eye” UKM
On March 1, 2025, five MBA students from the UKM Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB) delivered a specialized health outreach project titled “Eye to Eye” to address critical vision care needs among low-income elderly residents in rural communities. This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative combined professional medical tutorials with practical health services, featuring an expert briefing by Hanizah Optometry Nilai on geriatric eye health and potential age-related complications. To ensure a high-impact medical intervention, the program included pre-event vision screenings and the distribution of free prescription spectacles to eleven senior citizens. By integrating high-quality business education with community health engagement, the project successfully provided essential medical support and educational services to a marginalized segment of the local community, demonstrating UKM’s commitment to managing and delivering accessible healthcare solutions.
k) Roentgen Run 2024: Childhood Cancer Support Group (CAKNE)
On January 16, 2025, seventy-eight students from the Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy program at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), delivered a high-impact health and medical outreach project titled “Roentgen Run 2024” to support the Childhood Cancer Support Group (CAKNE). This community engagement initiative attracted over 250 participants from the local community, offering competitive 6KM and leisure 3KM “Scavenger” runs designed to raise both funds and public awareness regarding the challenges faced by pediatric cancer patients. Through this organized charity event, the students successfully raised RM500 for CAKNE while providing vital moral and financial support to the families of young cancer fighters. By combining physical recreation with health-related social advocacy, the program effectively demonstrated UKM’s commitment to managing and delivering community outreach projects that address critical medical needs and foster a culture of health and solidarity within the general public.
l) Webinar: Applying Health Risk Assessment in Environmental Health: Strategies for a Safer Future
On April 21, 2025, the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a specialized health and medical educational outreach project through the Visiting Scholar Inbound Staff Programme. Dr. Aziemah Zulkifli, a Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow, conducted a virtual tutorial session for 60 undergraduate Environmental Health students from the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia, titled “Applying Health Risk Assessment in Environmental Health: Strategies for a Safer Future.” This international community engagement initiative aimed to provide high-level scientific training on holistic and evidence-based health risk assessments to manage environmental health issues. By sharing academic expertise and regional experiences, the program successfully served as a platform to strengthen the understanding of sustainable prevention strategies and environmental health challenges, demonstrating UKM’s commitment to managing and delivering expert-led medical and health tutorials for the broader regional community.
3) Outreach Projects on Community Engagement & Social Development
UKM integrates community engagement into its curriculum, encouraging students and staff to participate in impactful social projects. Initiatives that encourage active participation and collaboration among community members to solve problems and enhance social cohesion, including:
- Gotong-royong (community clean-up) initiatives to promote environmental sustainability.
- Entrepreneurship and financial literacy training for small business owners.
- Disaster relief and humanitarian aid during floods, pandemics, or other emergencies.
- Empowerment programs for the OKU community, ensuring inclusivity in education and employment opportunities.
Several examples of outreach projects on community engagement & social development at UKM is shown below:
a) Greenhouse Solar Drying System Donation
On September 17, 2025, a group of postgraduate students from the UKM Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB) delivered a specialized community engagement and social development project by donating a custom-designed Greenhouse Solar Drying System to the Kuala Langat Area Fishermen’s Association. This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed to modernize the local salted fish production process, replacing traditional open-air drying methods that are labor-intensive, weather-dependent, and prone to animal interference. By utilizing renewable solar energy, the system ensures an uninterrupted drying process even during rainfall, significantly reducing product spoilage while enhancing the overall quality and hygiene of the fishermen’s output. This project successfully demonstrated UKM’s commitment to managing and delivering sustainable technological solutions that empower local industries and improve operational efficiency.
b) UKM Volunteers Empower Community Service and Health Research in Orang Asli Villages
In 2025, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a comprehensive community engagement and social development project benefiting 374 Orang Asli residents in Kampung Peta, Mersing, located near the Endau-Rompin National Park. This three-day mission was managed by 40 volunteers from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Health Sciences, who provided essential services including door-to-door food aid distribution, health screenings, and public health tutorials. Integrated with these social services was a high-impact research initiative—the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Study on Zoonotic Diseases 2025—which focused on addressing risks of diseases like malaria and filariasis arising from close interactions between humans, animals, and the forest environment. By combining immediate humanitarian relief with long-term health research and education, this project successfully demonstrated UKM’s commitment to delivering holistic social development programs that empower and protect vulnerable indigenous communities.
c) Inspiration Camp
On January 23, 2025, fifteen first-year students from the Faculty of Education UKM, delivered a community outreach project by organizing the Inspiration Camp for students at the Pahang Malaysia Sports School (SSMP). This community engagement initiative, conducted as part of the “Sports and Society” course in collaboration with the UKM Bridget Penyayang Club, was specifically designed to empower the local sports school community. The program focused on providing practical training to hone leadership skills, cooperation, and team spirit among young athletes. By integrating academic learning with hands-on mentoring, the project successfully impacted the students’ character development through outdoor activities and exposure to effective leadership strategies.
d) Active, Healthy & Sustainable Community Program (KASIH)
On 28 February 2025, the EcoShapers team from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)—comprising student associations and research officers from the Faculty of Dentistry and the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Center for Healthy Aging & Wellness (H-CARE)—delivered the Active, Healthy & Sustainable Community Program (KASIH) at Seri Aman Public Park, Puchong. This collaborative community engagement initiative, held in partnership with the University of Malaya (UM) and the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) Zone 12, successfully engaged over 100 local residents in environmental and health-focused outreach. Participants collectively removed 110 kilograms of waste through a “plogging” activity while benefiting from basic health consultations and experiential learning on healthy nutrition, sustainable lifestyles, and waste management. By integrating physical recreation with ecological stewardship, the program effectively fostered a culture of wellness and environmental conservation within the local community.
e) Santunan Kasih: UKM Kongsi Rezeki
On July 8, 2025, thirty-three members of the Young Entrepreneurs Club from Kolej Tun Syed Nasir (KTSN), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), delivered a specialized community engagement and social development project titled “Santunan Kasih: UKM Kongsi Rezeki” at the Al Barakh Asnaf Welfare Organization in Selangor. This outreach initiative was managed to instill empathy and social responsibility among students, aligning with UKM’s mission to produce holistic graduates grounded in knowledge and service. The program featured comprehensive facility improvements, including a “gotong-royong” (communal cleaning) of the prayer hall, library, dormitories, and kitchen, alongside the creation of a new dedicated reading corner to enhance the residents’ learning environment. By integrating these physical infrastructure upgrades with interactive social tutorials and recreational activities for the orphans, the project successfully fostered a supportive and joyful atmosphere, demonstrating UKM’s commitment to delivering impactful social welfare programs for the local community.
f) Environmental Sustainability Literacy Program: Transforming Lifestyles through Sustainable Practices
On July 4, 2025, the UKM-YSD Sustainability Chair delivered a specialized community engagement and social development project titled the Environmental Sustainability Literacy Program, aimed at driving lifestyle transformation through sustainable practices. This outreach initiative gathered over 120 participants from the local community, government agencies, and higher education institutions to strengthen grassroots action against climate change. Managed as a follow-up to the Sustainability Empowerment Intervention Program, the event featured expert-led tutorials on energy efficiency by the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) alongside interactive educational stations. These stations provided practical training on water footprint reduction (Save Water for Better), plastic waste upcycling (From Waste to Value), food security impacts (Roots for the Future), and coastal ecosystem preservation (Coastal Awareness).
g) Stroke Patients Join National Zoo Visit to Reduce Emotional Stress
On March 21, 2025, the Stroke Friends Community Club (Kekasih) from the Stroke Advanced Clinic at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), delivered a specialized community engagement and social development project by organizing a therapeutic visit to the National Zoo for stroke survivors and their families. This outreach initiative was managed as a psychosocial intervention designed to encourage recreation in a patient-friendly environment, moving beyond traditional clinical settings to support holistic recovery. The program focused on reducing emotional stress and enhancing the mental and physical rehabilitation of stroke patients through social interaction and shared experiences. By providing a platform for survivors to engage with the broader community and find renewed motivation for their recovery journeys.
h) Education and Health of the Orang Asli Community: “Harmoni Satu Bumi”
On February 26, 2025, Kolej Tun Syed Nasir (KTSN) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a comprehensive community engagement and social development project titled “Harmoni Satu Bumi” in Kampung Orang Asli Dayok, Pos Lenjang, Pahang. In collaboration with the Cameron Highlands Parliamentary Service Centre, this outreach initiative involved 36 UKM students and staff serving 300 indigenous residents to bridge gaps in health and education. The program successfully managed several high-impact interventions, including the “Tooth Brushing Campaign” to improve pediatric oral hygiene, the “1 House 1 Mosquito Net” initiative to prevent vector-borne diseases, and the establishment of a Mini Library to enhance rural literacy. By providing direct access to essential wellness tutorials and educational resources, the project served as a transformative platform for students to develop soft skills while ensuring marginalized populations are integrated into national development goals. Under the theme “Mahasiswa Prihatin, Masyarakat Terjamin” (Concerned Students, Secured Society).
4) Outreach Projects on Information Services for the local community
Information services outreach projects focus on bridging the knowledge gap and ensuring communities have access to vital information that improves their daily lives. An outreach program on information services for the local community aims to provide access to knowledge, digital literacy, and public awareness on various topics. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) plays a key role in offering information services outreach programs for the local community through various channels. These programs include:
- Educate the community on safe internet usage, cyber threats, and digital skills.
- Promote reading habits and provide access to educational materials.
- Provide healthcare information and support through digital platforms.
- Support farmers with information on modern farming techniques and climate-smart agriculture.
- Educate the community about legal rights, consumer protection, and social justice.
Several examples of outreach projects on information services for the local community at UKM is shown below:
a) Ocean Literacy Program: A Collaboration between RHB Islamic and UKM
On October 5, 2025, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), through a strategic collaboration between the Center for Student Affairs (HEP-UKM), the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), and the UKM Zakat Center, delivered a specialized information services and educational outreach project titled the RHB Ocean Harmoni Ocean Literacy Program. This initiative, partnered with RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, functioned as a critical information dissemination platform for 57 participants, including students, staff, industry representatives, and local residents. The program successfully managed the delivery of environmental information services by implementing the Financial Literacy Education Module at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pulau Perhentian and conducting community awareness sessions for the Asnaf and residents of Kampung Pasir Hantu. Beyond providing theoretical knowledge, the project included hands-on environmental information in action, resulting in the removal of 30 kg of plastic waste and the recovery of hazardous “ghost nets” from the marine ecosystem. By integrating financial and marine literacy tutorials, UKM effectively managed a multi-disciplinary information service that empowered the local community with the data and skills necessary to protect marine biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods, demonstrating a robust commitment to inclusive community development.
b) ToT Workshop for Food Industry Companies
On February 28, 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences (FSK) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a specialized information services outreach project titled “ToT Workshop: Salt Reduction Strategies in Malaysia.” This initiative, managed by the research group Strengthening Salt Reduction Policy for Malaysia through Maximum Salt Targets in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), provided critical health information and technical guidance to 15 food industry companies. The program focused on disseminating essential data regarding the health risks of high salt intake and provided practical tutorials on sodium reduction alternatives and food process modifications. A key component of this information service was the development of specialized tool kits designed for food traders and industrial stakeholders. By conducting these Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions, UKM effectively facilitated the transfer of scientific research into actionable industry standards, ensuring that vital health policies are communicated directly to the producers. This project demonstrates UKM’s commitment to managing and delivering high-level information services that empower the food industry to improve public health outcomes through safer, lower-sodium products for the local community.
c) SULAM: Community Farming Project: Developing Abandoned Gardens
On February 20, 2025, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a specialized community engagement and information service project through the Sulam Project: Community Agriculture. Managed in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and the local residents of Bandar Baru Bangi, the initiative focused on revitalizing a community garden that had been abandoned since 2020. This outreach program served as a vital information hub, providing residents with practical tutorials and data-driven knowledge on urban farming techniques and food security. By transforming idle land into a productive green space, the project facilitated the transfer of academic sociological research into actionable community practices. This partnership successfully strengthened the bond between educational institutions and the public, demonstrating UKM’s commitment to managing and delivering sustainable agricultural information services that empower local communities to adopt resilient, self-sufficient lifestyles.
d) Anthropology and Sociology Students Enhance Mosque Accessibility in Terengganu
On February 5, 2025, third-year Anthropology and Sociology students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a specialized community engagement and social infrastructure project in Chukai, Terengganu. Managed under the Service Learning Malaysia (SULAM) framework, this three-day initiative, themed “Together in Compassion, Building Lives,” focused on enhancing physical accessibility and safety for marginalized groups. The students designed and managed the construction of three specialized access ramps at Masjid Batu 9, Ibok, specifically tailored for the elderly and people with disabilities (OKU). Additionally, the project included the installation of solar-powered lighting to improve nighttime safety and energy efficiency. By applying socio-anthropological insights to address structural barriers, the team successfully provided an essential community service that fosters inclusivity and sustainable development. This project exemplifies UKM’s commitment to delivering practical, high-impact outreach programs that empower local communities through enhanced public infrastructure and innovative social solutions.
e) Healthy Nutrition Booth and CPR Demonstration
On December 1, 2025, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a specialized public health information service during the Karkon Sihat 2025 program, held in conjunction with the university’s 53rd Convocation Festival. This outreach project was managed by the University Health Centre (PKU) nutrition team, which operated a dedicated booth providing the local community with evidence-based information on healthy eating habits and dietary management. Simultaneously, volunteers from the Malaysian Red Crescent (BSMM) UKM conducted interactive life-saving tutorials, offering visitors hands-on demonstrations of correct CPR techniques. By combining nutritional counseling with emergency response training, the initiative functioned as a comprehensive information hub designed to enhance community health literacy and preparedness. This program demonstrates UKM’s commitment to delivering accessible medical information services that empower the public with the practical skills and knowledge necessary for long-term well-being and emergency resilience.
f) Information services regarding healthy nutrition
On 20 October 2025, University Health Centre (PKU) UKM successfully delivered a specialized outreach project focused on providing essential information services regarding healthy nutrition to the campus and local community. Managed by professional health experts, the initiative featured a dedicated interactive booth where visitors received evidence-based tutorials on balanced dieting, caloric intake management, and the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. By translating complex clinical data into accessible nutritional guidance, the program served as a vital community information hub, empowering participants to make informed dietary choices. This project exemplifies UKM’s commitment to managing and delivering proactive health literacy programs that bridge the gap between academic health research and public application. Through this engagement, the university effectively promoted long-term wellness and fostered a culture of health consciousness within the local community, demonstrating a robust framework for delivering impactful social development services.
g) Specialized Basic Taxonomy Course
On June 24 and 25, 2025, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a specialized professional information service and technical outreach project through the Specialized Basic Taxonomy Course. Managed by the Centre for Insect Systematics (CIS) at the Faculty of Science and Technology, this program provided high-level tutorials to 11 officers from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Entomology and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) units. The initiative functioned as a vital information exchange hub where eight UKM entomology experts shared data-driven insights on insect morphology, anatomy, and classification. The curriculum integrated theoretical frameworks with practical field tutorials at the UKM Forest Education Center, demonstrating active and passive sampling techniques essential for sustainable plantation management. By delivering these specialized scientific information services, UKM effectively empowered industry stakeholders with the taxonomic expertise required to manage agricultural ecosystems, reinforcing the university’s role in delivering impactful social and industrial development programs for the local professional community.
h) Brightening TUNAS UKM: A Tun Seri Lanang Library Community Outreach Program
On August 20, 2025, the Corporate Memory Management Division of Tun Seri Lanang Library (PTSL), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), delivered a specialized information services outreach project at the Tunas UKM Kindergarten. Managed by 27 library staff, the initiative focused on professionalizing the Ibnu Khaldun Sukmanita Library collection through expert auditing, weeding of damaged materials, and systematic re-shelving to ensure a user-friendly learning environment. Beyond technical library management, the program provided essential information services through interactive literacy tutorials, including storytelling sessions and creative educational games designed to foster early childhood reading habits. By revitalizing the library’s infrastructure and engaging students in joyful learning activities, UKM demonstrated its commitment to delivering impactful information services that support early education and community development. This project highlights the university’s role in managing sustainable knowledge resources and promoting literacy as a foundational pillar for the local community’s social growth.
i) Empowering Chemical Safety: Technical Training on CLASS 2013 Classification Record Preparation for i-Chem Solution Sdn. Bhd.
On May 16-17, 2025, the Chemical Management Research Group (CMRG) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) delivered a high-level technical information service and outreach project titled “Preparation of Classification Records under CLASS 2013 Regulations.” Managed for the professional community at i-Chem Solution Sdn. Bhd., this specialized training was led by Prof. ChM. Dr. Goh Choo Ta to ensure industrial compliance with Malaysian chemical safety laws. The initiative functioned as a vital information exchange hub, providing deep-dive tutorials on the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), hazard classification aspects, and the practical implementation of the CLASS 2013 regulatory framework. Participants were also introduced to the CATCH system as an innovative alternative for chemical classification. By delivering these specialized technical information services, UKM effectively empowered industry stakeholders with the scientific data and legal knowledge necessary to maintain high safety standards and regulatory adherence, demonstrating the university’s pivotal role in fostering industrial safety and social development.
j) Exposure of School Children to Particulate Matter in High Traffic and Industrial Areas, Malaysia
On July 18, 2025, a series of fieldwork activities were conducted across 10 selected primary schools in Selangor and Putrajaya under an international research grant titled “Exposure of School Children to Particulate Matter in High Traffic and Industrial Areas, Malaysia.” This international grant was provided by the International Science Council Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ISC-ROAP) and the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk-International Centre of Excellence in Taipei (IRDR ICOE-Taipei). The primary objective of this fieldwork was to collect data on air pollutants, specifically $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{1}$, within school environments located in high-traffic and industrial zones.
