SAMARAHAN: Forty participants here have gained new skills in soap and candle making through a community training programme aimed at generating income and promoting environmental sustainability.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) in a statement said the programme, under the Waste to Wealth: Empowering Communities Through Green Innovation initiative, was held in Kampung Baru.
The programme was divided into two groups, with 20 attending a botanical soap-making workshop led by local entrepreneur, Ummu Aqilah Makshut, while another 20 learned aromatherapy candle-making techniques from UNIMAS lecturer and researcher in sustainable materials, Dr Vannessa Lawai.
The hands-on sessions introduced participants to practical methods for producing high-quality, marketable products.
Several participants expressed gratitude to the trainers for their willingness to share their expertise and provide opportunities to learn new skills.
Beyond the prospect of generating income, the training also promotes waste reduction by encouraging the reuse of materials such as used cooking oil.
Meanwhile, the organisers hope the initiative will nurture new micro-entrepreneurs within the community, contributing to both local economic growth and environmental conservation.
