KUCHING: The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is promoting real-world learning and community engagement with its latest outreach initiative called ‘Projek Komuniti IR Prihatin: There is ‘Us’ in Sustainability – From Used Cooking Oil to Eco Soap’.
The project, led by 42 final-year International Relations (IR) students from the ‘SSA3234 Politics of the Developing World’ course, was carried out in Kampung Giam, Padawan, in collaboration with the Kampung Giam Women’s Bureau.
Spearheaded by Irene Valerie Nasod, the initiative aimed to advocate awareness about the environmental impact of improper disposal of used cooking oil.
It also equipped the local community, particularly women, with the knowledge and practical skills to convert waste oil into biodegradable soap.
Supported by the UNIMAS Social Innovation Team led by Siti Haslina Hussin and lecturers from three different faculties, the programme featured a series of environmental briefings and hands-on workshops.
These sessions provided villagers with sustainable alternatives to common waste disposal practices while promoting responsible consumption.
More than 16 litres of used cooking oil were successfully recycled into eco-soap during the project.
Head of the Women’s Bureau, Jennifer Atok, expressed strong support for the initiative.
“We never realised the potential of something we usually throw away. This project has inspired us, and I hope to develop it as a flagship programme for our village.
“With proper training, the women here can turn this into a viable home-based industry,” she said.
Chairman of the Kampung Giam Development and Security Committee, Samen Sanggod, also praised the project’s impact and encouraged further collaboration with UNIMAS.
“This initiative has been truly valuable. We look forward to advancing our soap-making skills and working with UNIMAS on future community-based projects,” he added.
Course lecturer and project adviser, Noor’ain Aini, highlighted the significance of the initiative in bridging academic learning with societal needs.
“Sustainability is more than a theory. Today, our students made it a reality, empowering communities to take environmental action.
“This project reflects the values of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13 and SDG 17,” she said.
UNIMAS remains committed to fostering socially responsible graduates and promoting innovative partnerships that uplift communities across Sarawak.
