The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) recently embarked on a heart-warming initiative to reach out to the Orang Asli community in Kampung Kolam Air, Pantai, Negeri Sembilan. This marks the faculty’s first corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme under its University Community, Action, and Response Engagement (UCare) initiative.
According to FSSH Dean Dr Hamidah Mat, the programme was in line with a research being conducted by the former Dean, Prof Dr Fatimah Yusooff.
“As a faculty offering programmes in the humanities, it is only fitting that we conduct such programmes. The Orang Asli community, despite their rich culture and traditions, are often overlooked because of their remote location. Through initiatives like this, we aim to promote the importance of education to them”.
FSSH Senior Lecturer, Mr Oo Cheng Keat, was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the faculty members in achieving the programme.
Partnering with local NGOs like KAWAN, Persatuan Wanita Lestari Negeri Sembilan, and SINERGI, FSSH organised the one-day programme to benefit approximately 240 Orang Asli villagers, comprising adults, teenagers, and children.
On 9 November, the FSSH staff and others from OUM journeyed to the village, where they were warmly welcomed by the community. They conducted the following activities:
- Fitness Boost: A lively aerobics session led by a local trainer.
- Community Clean-up: Tidying up the surau and community hall.
- OUM Reading Station: Setting up bookshelves, reading materials, and attractive decorations to promote reading.
- Engaging Workshops: Fun and educational games and workshops for the children and teenagers.
- Cultural Exchange: Storytelling and handicraft and blowpipe demonstrations.
The programme was officiated by YB Tengku Zamrah Tengku Sulaiman, the Negeri Sembilan State Exco for Health, Unity, Information, National Integration, and NGOs, who remarked, “For a community to progress, it needs education”.
Prof Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang, OUM’s President/Vice-Chancellor, shared that the programme was funded by a university research grant to foster stronger connections between the OUM community and diverse groups.
“We hope to organise many more CSR programmes in conjunction with OUM’s 25th anniversary next year. Our goal is to cultivate a spirit of volunteerism within the OUM community,” he added.
To show their support for the Orang Asli, the team distributed essential supplies like rice, flour, sugar, tea, coffee, and biscuits to 100 families in the village.
The event concluded with lunch, prayers, and an engagement session to gather feedback and better understand the community’s needs.
