BAU: Kampung Peros in Krokong here is emerging as a sustainable tourism destination, thanks to a partnership with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
Under the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts (FACA) and the Service Learning Malaysia-University for Society (SULAM) initiative, the village has benefited from a smartphone videography workshop and an international mural project, enhancing its visibility and empowering residents to promote their heritage.
In January 2025, UNIMAS students and the faculty launched a 12-week SULAM project focusing on digital media, visual arts and storytelling to boost tourism.
Design technology students enhanced Kampung Peros’ online presence by updating the Bung Podad Hiking Trail’s Facebook page and launching a new tourism page that quickly gained public interest.
Meanwhile, fine arts students collaborated with local youths to create murals celebrating Bidayuh culture, including one certified as a Pokéstop/Portal.
Cinematography students also produced two documentary films showcasing the village’s landscapes and cultural heritage.
FACA SULAM coordinator, Noorhaslina Senin, highlighted the project’s impact in bridging academia and community engagement.
“This collaboration allows students to immerse themselves in local cultures while applying their academic knowledge to real-world scenarios.
“It also facilitates knowledge exchange between students and the community,” she said.
A Smartphone Videography Workshop from 7 to 9 February equipped residents with content creation skills, resulting in ten promotional videos for the village’s tourism page.
“Before this, we relied on others to promote our village. Now, we have the skills to create our own promotional videos,” said youth leader, Modrian Dihoi.
On 15th February, the village underwent further transformation with the ‘On Reciprocity’ Gotong-Royong, where international artists and Borneo Laboratory revitalised a mural from the SULAM project.
“This was more than a mural-painting activity – it was an exchange of ideas between students, artists and the community.
“We are grateful to Borneo Laboratory for inviting us to be part of this project,” Noorhaslina added.
Indonesian artist, Anang Saptoto, contributed a mural featuring local chef, Sinah Dihoi, and her signature dish, ‘ayam pansuh’ (chicken meat cooked in a bamboo).
The community also took the initiative to repaint and improve the village hall.
Community coordinator, Joseph Jiep Sayon, expressed optimism about Kampung Peros’ future.
“We are seeing real changes in our village. More visitors are coming, and we hope to continue collaborating with UNIMAS and other partners,” he said.
