SERIKANDAR, January 13, 2025 – The Service-Learning Malaysia-University for Society (SULAM) program was held on January 13, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at Studio Part 3, Landscape Architecture Programme, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Seri Iskandar, Perak. Focused on the theme of “Concentric Development Community,” the program brought together 6 lecturers, 99 students, and 7 panellists to tackle community needs through the LAN200: Park and Community Design course.
Organized by the Landscape Architecture Programme within the Department of Built Environment and Technology Studies at the College of Built Environment, the event showcased UiTM’s dedication to impactful education. The initiative collaborated with key stakeholders, including the Perak Tengah District Council (MDPT), the Rukun Tetangga Club (KRT), and the SIDEC community, highlighting a robust partnership between academia, local authorities, and community representatives.
The program aimed to implement University Social Responsibility (USR) initiatives, directly benefiting the local community while contributing to UiTM Seri Iskandar’s strategic goals, particularly Performance Indicators PI005 and PI075. By engaging students in practical problem-solving, SULAM exemplifies High Impact Educational Practices, equipping students with essential skills, fostering civic responsibility, and promoting a shared sense of purpose in community development.
Additionally, the initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting inclusive, safe, and resilient urban areas. It also aligns with Goal 4: Quality Education, offering experiential learning opportunities that integrate academic knowledge with real-world applications, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, fostering collaboration among academia, local authorities, and community stakeholders.
Participants focused on exploring sustainable design solutions for public spaces and community areas in Seri Iskandar, reflecting the principles of inclusivity and resilience. The event emphasized experiential learning, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, thereby enhancing their competencies in landscape architecture while addressing community aspirations.
The successful program not only met its educational objectives but also strengthened the connections between UiTM, its students, and the local community. The event highlights the significance of SULAM as a transformative educational approach, bridging the gap between academia and society to create meaningful, lasting impacts.