KOTA SAMARAHAN: The ‘Jelajah Jiwa Borneo 2025’ has set a new milestone in inter-university volunteerism, with over 180 student volunteers reaching rural communities across Sabah and Sarawak.
Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim commended the programme as more than just a volunteer activity, describing it as a reflection of the Bornean youth spirit — aware, caring, and eager to contribute to society.
He stressed that interaction with the community was just as important as academic or technical skills.
“Engaging with the community helps break social barriers. It is a good initiative, and focusing on communities is essential.
“Today’s students are not only pursuing knowledge but also carrying the responsibility of being agents of social change,” he said when officiating at the programme at The Gallery, DeTAR Putra, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) today.
The initiative is jointly organised by the Student Representative Councils (MPP) of Unimas, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), and the Unimas Student Volunteer Club.
The ‘Jelajah Jiwa Borneo’ targets rural communities in six zones — Nabawan and Kalabakan in Sabah, and Kota Samarahan, Kuching, Betong, and Asajaya in Sarawak.
Volunteers will conduct activities including educational motivation sessions, village clean-ups, basic health screenings, children’s programmes, religious enrichment, and community empowerment initiatives.
Ahmad urged the volunteers to continue their service beyond their university years.
He asserted that leadership means serving the community sincerely and consistently.
“Do not let this volunteer spirit end when you enter the workforce.
“Continue serving in your capacity as officers, engineers, teachers, doctors, architects, entrepreneurs, or in any profession you choose.
“This seed of volunteerism may be small today, but if nurtured well, it will grow into a forest of goodwill across Borneo,” he added.
