KUCHING: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, in partnership with the Bidayuh Graduates Association (BGA), successfully hosted a transformative community outreach programme at Kampung Batu Bedang and Silabur Cave, fostering meaningful connections between its postgraduate students and the local community.
Themed “Nyak Boh Taruh (3) Bees, Bigumpul Bisamah Bisindi Ngan BGA” (meaning “Let Us Get Together”), the programme brought together 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 guest of honour was Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada.
The initiative aimed to enhance community engagement and collaboration among local communities, BGA members, and Swinburne Sarawak.
Among the programme’s highlights was an introduction to the traditional Bidayuh practice of preparing glutinous rice in bamboo, known as “pangkang”.
This time-honoured tradition, a symbol of appreciation during festive seasons, resonated with the event’s theme of unity.
Participants were also treated to a vibrant cooking session led by the Women’s Association and Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), alongside Swinburne postgraduate students, including Emily Rogos and Shella Georgina Beatrice, head of the Department of Business, Design, and Communication at Swinburne’s School of Foundation Studies.
Dr Ambrose Dango, the event’s organising chairman, inspired attendees with a motivational talk recounting the journey of a disadvantaged rural youth who overcame challenges to earn a PhD, underscoring the value of perseverance.
Adding to the festivities, 80 Sunday School children from Primary 1 to Primary 6 delivered heartwarming performances, with local leaders and guests—including Dr Sinang, Dr Ambrose, and BGA president Professor Ir Dr Andrew Ragai—presenting gifts to the children, spreading joy throughout the community.
For adventure enthusiasts, a hiking expedition to Silabur Cave, led by Professor Dr Jane Labadin (Unimas) and Swinburne senior lecturer Ts Dr Irine Runnie Henry Ginjom, offered breathtaking views and a closer connection to nature. The expedition included 10 participants, three of whom travelled from Sabah.
The event was co-organised by Shella Georgina Beatrice with support from BGA executive committee members Ephrem Ryan Alphonsus, Falisca Sanatha, Gabriel Jatu, Ir Jerry Ruki, Antoinette Teddy, Molina Luhum, and William Muge.
Distinguished guests included Datuk Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, director of the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak; and Janner, executive secretary of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA).
Through this initiative, Swinburne postgraduate students and BGA members gained valuable experience in community engagement while broadening their professional networks.
The programme strengthened ties between Swinburne, local organisations, government bodies, and rural communities, aligning with the university’s commitment to social responsibility and empowerment.
“We are deeply grateful to Dr Sinang, DBNA, BGA, Swinburne, and the entire community for their unwavering support. We hope programmes like this will continue to grow, fostering development in social engagement, education and rural tourism,” said Shella.
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