4.3 – Lifelong learning measures

4.3.4 – Education Outreach activities beyond campus

At UKM, educational outreach activities, such as tailored lectures and demonstrations in local schools and communities, play a crucial role in advancing SDG 4: Quality Education. By taking learning beyond the university campus, UKM actively engages with diverse groups, providing access to high-quality education for people of all backgrounds. These outreach efforts foster lifelong learning, stimulate intellectual curiosity and equip communities with valuable knowledge and skills. UKM’s commitment to inclusive education ensures that underserved populations, especially in local and rural areas, benefit from the university’s resources and expertise, contributing to the creation of a more informed, empowered and equitable society.

Summary of the outreach activities beyond campus

No	List of the events
1	Ad-Hoc Basis i.  TVET & KRISS Carnival: Exhibition on Practicing 3R and Efficient Resource Conservation ii. The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Education Module iii. Educational Exhibition: Biomedical World Exploration –
2	On Programmed Basis i. Kelas Rimba Bateq Community Education & Development Programme 2024 ii. Celik Solar Program iii. From Curiosity to Career: Inspiring the Next Generation in Dentistry

1. AD-HOC BASIS

i. TVET & KRISS Carnival: Exhibition on Practicing 3R and Efficient Resource Conservation

TVET & KRISS Carnival: Exhibition on Practicing 3R and Efficient Resource Conservation came to life at Federal Islamic Secondary School Kajang (Sekolah Menengah Agama Persekutuan Kajang – SMAPK) on 3rd July 2024, as students from Form 1 to Form 5 enthusiastically took part in a vibrant afternoon dedicated to environmental sustainability. Held at 2.00 p.m., the carnival aimed to raise awareness on the importance of practicing the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and efficient resource management in everyday life. Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the program combined education with creativity, leaving a lasting impression on the SMAPK student body.

The event opened with an inspiring talk titled “Being an Environmental Hero,” which emphasized how simple, conscious actions can lead to significant environmental impact. Students were encouraged to see themselves as stewards of the Earth, capable of making positive change through everyday habits. One of the highlights of the carnival was a hands-on activity where students constructed model airplanes using recycled materials such as cardboard, paper and plastic bottles. This engaging exercise not only showcased their creativity but also instilled the importance of innovation in solving environmental challenges. The accompanying exhibition featured a variety of upcycled crafts, including flower pots made from used detergent bottles, transforming what would typically be considered waste into functional and decorative items. These displays served as practical examples of how reimagining waste can contribute to sustainability.

The program had a significant impact:

• Students gained deeper awareness of sustainable living practices.
• Creativity and problem-solving skills were enhanced through hands-on activities.
• A mindset of upcycling and resourcefulness was instilled.
• Teamwork and collaboration among peers and teachers were strengthened.
• Most importantly, the carnival encouraged long-term behavioral change towards eco-consciousness.

The Karnival TVET dan KRISS stands as a successful model of how education, innovation and environmental responsibility can come together in meaningful ways to empower the next generation. As SMAPK students left the event with crafts in hand and ideas in mind, they carried with them a renewed commitment to shaping a greener future.

ii. The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Education Module

A series of pilot sessions to test the content of Malaysia’s newly developed Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Education Module has been successfully conducted in Ipoh (25–27 June), Kelantan (16–18 July) and Sabah (30–31 July). The initiative, aimed at building disaster resilience among primary school students, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM), National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Initiative (SEADPRI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The pilot test, designed to evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of the module, involved 45 students each in Ipoh and Kelantan, and 60 students in Sabah. Running from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, the sessions provided immersive, hands-on learning experiences, simulating real-life disaster scenarios and guiding students through appropriate response strategies.

The DRR Education Module is part of a broader national agenda to equip students and school communities with essential disaster preparedness knowledge and skills. By integrating risk awareness into education, the initiative promotes behavioural change, fostering a culture of safety, responsibility, and environmental consciousness. Students participating in the pilot were introduced to fundamental concepts such as identifying hazards, preparing emergency kits, evacuation protocols, and understanding the role of community in disaster response. The module also includes interactive activities that can be used during co-curricular sessions or outside the traditional classroom setting. As part of the pilot program, selected teachers and District Education Officers were trained as Master Trainers, gaining exposure to disaster education methodologies and experiential learning tools. These trainers will play a pivotal role in rolling out the module to more schools nationwide, ensuring sustainability and consistency in delivery.

UKM conducted a pilot test of a disaster literacy education module to strengthen disaster preparedness in Malaysia’s primary education system. Feedback from the pilot was used to refine the module before its national rollout. This initiative reflects UKM’s commitment to advancing disaster risk reduction and education for sustainable development, contributing to national resilience and supporting global goals under the SDGs.

iii. Educational Exhibition: Biomedical World Exploration

The Biomedical World Exploration Program was held on 22 June 2024 at Rumah Amal Raudhatul Jannah, Banting, Selangor as a free program. Organized by the Centre for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies (CORE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), this program aimed to increase students’ interest and awareness in the field of biomedical science through interactive and engaging learning experiences. The initiative featured hands-on educational sessions, scientific exhibitions, and STEM-based games that introduced underprivileged and orphaned children to basic biomedical concepts and scientific equipment. This outreach effort had a meaningful impact by promoting scientific curiosity among B40 students, enhancing their exposure to STEM education, and encouraging critical and innovative thinking through real-world learning experiences. Furthermore, it strengthened UKM’s role in extending quality education to underserved communities and inspired participants to pursue future opportunities in science and health-related fields, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) by fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and lifelong learning.

2. ON PROGRAMMED BASIS

i. Kelas Rimba Bateq Community Education & Development Programme 2024

The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), in collaboration with Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia (YFBM) and with full support from the Centre for Student Affairs (HEP-UKM) and the Faculty of Science Students’ Association (PMFST), successfully organised the Kelas Rimba Bateq Community Education and Development Programme at Pos Changkung, Sungai Keniam, Taman Negara Pahang. The programme was carried out in 8 series beginning in January 2024, combining education, health, and welfare support for the Bateq Orang Asli community.

The final session was graced by the presence of Prof. Ts. Dr. Norinsan Kamil Bin Othman (Director of HEP-UKM), Prof. ChM. Dr. Ishak Bin Ahmad (Dean of FST), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Munir Bin Abdul Murad (Deputy Dean of Postgraduate, FST), and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Hariri Bin Arifin (Deputy Dean of HEJIM, FST), together with 11 staff members from FST, 12 students, and YFBM representatives.

Across its 8 sessions, the programme delivered impactful activities such as teaching Bahasa Melayu, English, and Mathematics; hygiene awareness sessions; microbiology exposure; and the distribution of food supplies to the community. These initiatives provided essential learning opportunities while supporting the well-being of the Bateq community. The programme had a significant impact by enhancing educational access, improving health awareness, and strengthening community welfare. It also reflected UKM’s commitment to uplifting marginalized communities through knowledge-sharing, empowerment, and sustainable support systems especially on education.

ii. Celik Solar Program

On 21-22th  Feb 2024;  28-29th Feb 2024; 6-7th Mar 2024; 28th May 2024, the five (5) series of Celik Solar programs were successfully conducted by Solar Energy Research Institute UKM at three (3) different community hubs in Flat house at Kuala Lumpur. The locations are Flat Industry Lembah Jaya Ampang, Sri Raya Ampang, and PPR Beringin Kepong. 

A total of 147 kids 9-12 years old participated in this program. This program aimed to increase the knowledge of solar energy education to the residents of low-cost strata houses. The program covers the topic of global warming, solar energy, solar cell technology, solar panel installation at house, reducing electricity bill and job scope in solar energy field. The data of post-test shows that the knowledge and awareness have increased after the Celik Solar program. In addition, this program has been conducted at a solar powered community hub where we installed the solar panel to their community centre before implementation of the solar energy education program, Celik Solar.

iii. From Curiosity to Career: Inspiring the Next Generation in Dentistry

The Detektif Gigi Program organized by UKM Faculty of Dentistry in collaboration with Muhsin Kids, CSI Experience, GIATMARA Petaling Jaya, and the School of Creative Childcare, had a profound impact by introducing children to professional skills in dentistry and forensic science at an early age. Through hands-on activities and interactive learning, participants were exposed to real-world applications of STEM and health sciences, fostering curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. The program served as an early training platform, nurturing children’s understanding of career pathways in healthcare and forensic fields while strengthening their technical and analytical thinking. By bridging education with practical experience, this initiative empowered young learners to explore future professions confidently and built a foundation for lifelong learning. It also supported SDG 4 (Quality Education) by making vocational learning accessible and engaging for children, inspiring the next generation of skilled, knowledgeable and socially responsible individuals.

UKM has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing inclusive and equitable education through its educational outreach activities beyond campus. These initiatives such as the TVET & KRISS Carnival, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Education Module, Biomedical World Exploration Program, Kelas Rimba Bateq Community Education & Development Programme, Celik Solar Program and Detektif Gigi Program have significantly contributed to promoting lifelong learning, environmental awareness, vocational exposure and community empowerment. Each program provided hands-on learning experiences, practical skill development and meaningful engagement with diverse groups, including underprivileged children, rural communities and marginalized populations. By taking education directly to schools, villages and community centers, UKM effectively bridged the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. The overall impact of these initiatives includes enhanced STEM literacy, disaster preparedness, sustainability awareness, and early vocational training among participants. Collectively, these efforts embody UKM’s dedication to fostering an informed, resilient and sustainable society while advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and supporting broader national goals for community development and lifelong learning.