ASAJAYA: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) has completed 20 high-impact community development projects in Kampung Semera under its Kampung Angkat MADANI 2025 programme, which concluded with a closing ceremony here today.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo.
Implemented with a RM1.1 million allocation from the Ministry of Finance, the programme directly benefited residents of Kampung Semera and surrounding areas through projects spanning education and literacy, community infrastructure, rainwater harvesting systems, solar energy facilities, mosque capacity building, youth skills development, cyber security, community health and local economic empowerment.
Among the key projects implemented were upgrades to the community library, rainwater harvesting systems in Kampung Semera and Kampung Semera Hilir, construction of a dockyard facility, upgrading of the fishermen’s jetty, installation of solar lighting, mosque management capacity building, a community cyber security programme and youth skills development initiatives.
Aidel, who is Sadong Jaya assemblyman, in his speech, expressed appreciation to UNIMAS for its continued commitment to community development in the Sadong Jaya area through a knowledge-based approach and expertise transfer.
“The Kampung Angkat MADANI programme proved that strategic cooperation between universities, government and communities could generate significant impact and long-term benefits for the people,” he said.
UNIMAS vice-chancellor Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said the programme demonstrated the university’s role beyond teaching and research as an agent of social transformation contributing directly to community development.
He said all 20 projects were planned based on the community’s actual needs through engagement sessions with residents and local leaders, ensuring each intervention delivered relevant, practical and high-impact benefits.
Describing himself as a son of Kampung Semera, Ahmad Hata said he deeply appreciated the significance of the initiative, noting that good development begins with listening and endures when it is upheld by the community itself.
He said the programme also reflected UNIMAS’s 2030 strategic direction, particularly its focus on building networks of co-creative ecosystems for sustainability, which connects university expertise with agencies, industry and communities to create lasting solutions.
The programme involved participation from various UNIMAS faculties and responsibility centres, with support from the Samarahan Division Resident’s Office, Asajaya District Office, Sadong Jaya Sub-District Office, ADTEC Samarahan, the Community Development Department (KEMAS) and various local agencies and communities.
