KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Habitat for Humanity Kuching Affiliate (Habitat Kuching) to cooperate in the delivery of the university’s Social Innovation Internship unit.
Students at the university who are undertaking courses with elective option in the curriculum are eligible to take the unit. As it is a credit bearing subject, students will be assessed through individual and group-based assignment. Through its work with Habitat, Swinburne Sarawak is also contributing to the betterment of its community. The Social Innovation Internship unit is being offered under the Faculty of Business and Design.
Signing for Swinburne Sarawak were Professor Anthony Cahalan, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, and Associate Professor Datin Enn Ong, Director Academic. Mr David Kiu Kee Tze, President,
Habitat Kuching and Vice President, Mr Chiew Chung Yee signed for Habitat.
Under the MoU, the two parties will conduct joint seminars on topics relevant to the subject, and provide consultation and appropriate learning opportunities that would facilitate meaningful learning to students of Swinburne Sarawak taking the unit.
Speaking at the event, Professor Anthony Cahalan said, “This partnership serves to contribute to the learning and teaching of our students while giving the university and its students the opportunity to work with a not-for-profit organisation on projects that benefit the community.”
He stressed that Swinburne Sarawak was established not only for to fulfil its learning and teaching, as well as research objectives but also to be actively involved in the community it is in.
Under the collaboration, students will have the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with volunteers to help build simple, decent homes for families in need of better housing while also gaining knowledge on social work.
The University also made a donation of RM25, 000 in aid of Habitat Kuching’s building projects.
David Kiu meanwhile, said Habitat was grateful for the contribution, adding that the collaboration will give students the opportunity to learn the operations, management and leadership required within for a social enterprise.
“It also support Habitat’s mission as well as giving students the insights into the complexities of running a not-for-profit organisation,” he added.
Habitat for Humanity 2000 (Malaysia), Kuching Affiliate was established in 1999 and has helped built 190 homes. Habitat for Humanity International is a global non-profit housing organisation established in 1976 which strives to eliminate inadequate house. Since its inception, it has served more than 500,000 families in communities all over the world.
Also present at the signing of the MoU were Ms Angelina Tong from Habitat Kuching, Associate Professor Dennis Wong, Dean for the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, Associate Professor Lee Miin Huui, Dean for the Faculty of Business and Design, Haji Hussain Taiban, Registrar and Director of Student Operations, Mr James Ho, Director Business Development and Communications, Ms Caroline Hon, Director of Administration , Mr Emran Huda, President for Habitat for Humanity Swinburne Chapter, lecturers from the Faculty of Business and Design as well as students taking the Social Innovation Internship unit.