Students and medical experts from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia engaged directly with the local community to promote health awareness and leadership development.

Kuala Klawang – Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) had recently brought its expertise closer to the community through a Community Health Outreach Programme held in Kuala Klawang, Jelebu, from 9 to 11 January 2026. The programme, organised by the Persatuan Mahasiswa Negeri Sembilan (PERMANIS) in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, UKM, highlighted the university’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and public health awareness. Supported by Yayasan Negeri Sembilan and the Secretariat for Industry & Community Partnerships Affairs of the Faculty of Medicine, the initiative involved 20 UKM students and 35 staff members who served as the organising team. The programme also received strong cooperation and support from local residents.

The programme was officially launched by Kebawah Kaus Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman Dato’ Haji Maarof bin Haji Mat Rasyad, the 16th Undang Luak of Jelebu. Among those present were Professor Dr. Bariah Mohd Ali, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Industry and Community Engagement, UKM; Professor Datin Dr. Marina Mat Baki, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, UKM; Associate Professor Dr. Ruslinda Mustafar, Deputy Dean of the Secretariat for Industry & Community Partnerships Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, UKM; as well as the leadership of PERMANIS, programme participants, and members of the local community.

According to Dato’ Haji Maarof, the presence of UKM students and staff within the community provides an effective way to share medical knowledge and promote health awareness among the public.“This outreach initiative not only raises awareness about health issues but also brings long-term benefits through the sharing of knowledge and expertise from the university,” he said.

Professor Dr. Bariah Mohd Ali described the programme as a reflection of UKM’s role as a university that actively contributes to the wellbeing of society.“Through initiatives like this, students gain valuable opportunities to develop leadership qualities, empathy, and a deeper sense of social responsibility through real engagement with the community,” she said. “Such experiences are essential in shaping holistic graduates who are both competent and socially aware.”

Meanwhile, Professor Datin Dr. Marina Mat Baki emphasised that the programme serves as an important platform to translate medical knowledge into meaningful benefits for the wider community.“Direct engagement with the community enables health messages to be delivered more effectively while increasing awareness of preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyle practices,” she said.

Carrying the theme “Developing Charismatic Leaders”, the programme also focused on nurturing personal development and soft skills among students. Throughout the programme, participants were placed with host families in Kuala Klawang, providing them with the opportunity to experience daily community life while strengthening bonds with local residents.

A variety of activities were organised during the programme, including community clean-up initiatives, a visit to the Orang Asli village in Ulu Kemin, recreational activities with community members, aerobics sessions, congregational prayers, Yasin recitations, and interactive health awareness sessions conducted by the Faculty of Medicine, UKM.

Students played an active role in planning and carrying out the activities, gaining valuable experience that strengthened their communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and leadership capabilities.

From an organisational perspective, the programme also helped strengthen collaboration within the PERMANIS leadership while providing a platform to identify and nurture new leadership talent, ensuring the continuity of the association’s leadership in the future.

Overall, the programme successfully achieved its objectives and created a positive impact for both students and the local community. The initiative also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals 16 (SDG 16) by promoting inclusive, harmonious, and responsible communities.

The organisers hope that similar initiatives will continue to be expanded in the future as part of UKM’s ongoing efforts to nurture graduates who are ethical, community-oriented, and equipped with strong leadership values.