KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, in collaboration with the Bidayuh Graduates Association (BGA), conducted a community outreach program at Kampung Batu Bedang and Silabur Cave on 21 December 2024 – creating meaningful experiences for the university’s postgraduate students and the local community.
Themed “Nyak Boh Taruh (3) Bees, Bigumpul Bisamah Bisindi Ngan BGA”, meaning “Let Us Get Together”, the program brought together around 400 villagers from five villages – Kampung Batu Bedang, Kampung Batu Mawang, Kampung Batu Lin, Kampung Pulau Pranuk and Kampung Mayang Kawan.
Gracing the event as the Guest of Honour was Tebedu assemblyman YB Dr Simon Sinang. The outreach program aimed to strengthen community engagement and participation, while encouraging collaboration between the local communities, BGA members and Swinburne Sarawak.
The program’s activities included a cooking session joined by local community members from the Women’s Association and Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), as well as Swinburne Sarawak postgraduate students Emily Rogos and Shella Georgina Beatrice, who is also the Head of Department (Business, Design and Communication) at Swinburne Sarawak’s School of Foundation Studies.
A motivational talk was delivered by Dr Ambrose Dango, the event’s organising chairman, on the inspiring journey of a disadvantaged young individual from a rural village who overcame adversity to achieve a PhD.
The event also featured performances by 80 Sunday School children, ranging from Primary 1 to Primary 6, with local community members enthusiastically joining in. Gifts were presented to the children by YB Dr Simon along with Dr Ambrose, BGA President Professor Ir Dr Andrew Ragai and other representatives, spreading joy to the local youth.
The highlight of the community outreach program was an introduction to the traditional Bidayuh practice of preparing glutinous rice in bamboo, known as “pangkang”. This practice – rooted in old Bidayuh traditions – continues today, where it is prepared by local villagers to be presented to villagers as a token of appreciation, especially during festive seasons or special events held in the villages.
Facilitators and participants making “pangkang”.
In addition to these activities, some participants also joined a hiking expedition to Silabur Cave, led by Professor Dr Jane Labadin from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Swinburne Sarawak Senior Lecturer Ts Dr Irine Runnie Henry Ginjom. The 10 hikers, including 3 from Sabah, enjoyed experiencing nature and the beautiful views at Silabur Cave.
The community outreach activities and hiking expedition were co-organised by Shella Georgina Beatrice, assisted by other BGA exco members, Ephrem Ryan Alphonsus, Falisca Sanatha, Gabriel Jatu, Ir Jerry Ruki, Antoinette Teddy, Molina Luhum and William Muge. Also present were Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, Director of Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak and Cikgu Janner, Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Executive Secretary.
A group photo of the hikers at Silabur Cave.
Through the community outreach program, Swinburne Sarawak’s postgraduate students and BGA exco members gained valuable experience in effectively engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including community leaders, villagers, organisational partners and government representatives. This opportunity not only broadened their professional networks but also equipped them with beneficial skills.
This initiative strengthened ties between Swinburne and local organisations, government bodies and rural communities, aligning with the university’s commitment to social responsibility and community empowerment.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to YB Dr Simon Sinang, DBNA, BGA, Swinburne and all community members for supporting this event. We hope that initiatives like this community outreach program will continue to expand, providing ongoing support to local communities, particularly in areas such as social development, education and rural tourism entrepreneurship,” said Shella.
The hikers pose for a photo in Silabur Cave.
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