Kampung Padang Jawa, 24 November 2023 – History is both tacit and explicit with the former giving a more personalized and intimate view of events. To unlock these hidden tacit stories and preserve rich history, College of Computing, Informatics and Mathematics (KPPIM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kampus Puncak Perdana under the initiative of Service Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM) has successfully captured the history of Kampung Padang Jawa via storytelling and oral documentation. 

Encik Suraman Mohd Shaher (Wak Man) who is one of the oldest citizens in Kampung Padang Jawa, was interviewed to document the history, culture, and local wisdom of Kampung Padang Jawa. His accounts are then transformed into a monograph transcript serving as an oral documentation collection.

Prior to the interview with Wak Man, information seeking was done in various institutions such as the National Archive, Jabatan Arkib UiTM, museums, as well as websites and  books. As a preliminary interview, the team also met with the Chief of Kampung Padang Jawa on 18 October 2023 with their lecturer, En Jafalizan Md. Jali.

UiTM’s initiative to unearth Kampung Padang Jawa’s rich history through oral documentation stands as a testament to the power of intergenerational exchange. The invaluable insights shared by the village veteran not only provide a glimpse into the past but serve as a bridge connecting the wisdom of yesteryears with the curiosity of today’s youth. These meaningful interactions would foster the young generation with a profound sense of connection to their roots. Oral documentation is a key initiative in passing down narratives, ensuring that the vibrant history of Kampung Padang Jawa is cherished by generations to come.

KPPIM SULAM 2023/2024 programme is one of the initiatives aimed at empowering and serving the community through volunteer activities. Undergraduates are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge practically and discover how the knowledge they have acquired can also improve the living standards of the local community. The activities also support the aspirations of Fourth, and Eleventh Sustainable Development Goals, which are Quality Education, and Sustainable Cities and Communities. It is also in line with the visions of Malaysia Madani.