UMPSA Kembara Lestari engages Orang Asli community in Permatang Keledang

PEKAN, 14 February 2026 – A total of 60 Yayasan UMPSA volunteers camped in Permatang Keledang, Pekan, to implement the Kembara Lestari@Permatang Keledang 2026 Programme, a UMPSA community service initiative focusing on Orang Asli community development through sustainability approaches, knowledge transfer, and the use of technology.

The programme, now at its 13th tour location since its introduction four years ago, involved various modules covering technology, education, sustainability, and community service, including sustainable agriculture initiatives, improvement of basic facilities, small-scale innovation projects, as well as youth education and character development.

According to the Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah Alias, who is also Deputy Chairman of Yayasan UMPSA, the expedition programme not only disseminates education but is also capable of enhancing the standard of living and sustainability of the community holistically.

“This programme integrates university expertise with community needs to create sustainable solutions to issues faced on the ground.

“It also nurtures students with a volunteer spirit to contribute meaningfully alongside the local community,” she said.

Also present were Yayasan UMPSA trustee, Datin Nur Sharmila Shaheen, and representatives from Public Islamic Bank Berhad (PIBB), comprising General Manager, Hairil Nizam Hamzah, Manager, Zakat and Social Finance Management, Izwan Mohd Ali Wasi, and Manager, Business Development, Amir Zulhaqeem Zakaria.

Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah also participated in tree-planting activities and the Ziarah Prihatin Programme in delivering food aid kits to B40 families in the village.

Activities conducted included Orang Asli Cooking Class, Colouring Competition, Personal Grooming Class, Haircut Services, and Handicraft Class.

Various activities were also held at the school, including Innovation Modules, DIY STEM Kits, and STEM and Street Science Exhibitions to empower students with knowledge and thinking skills, while stimulating their interest in science, technology, and mathematics from an early age.

At the same time, the Technology Cluster continued the solar installation and vertical farming projects around Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Permatang Keledang, while the Community Cluster carried out mural activities.

Other programmes included Yasin recitation, tahlil, and congregational prayers held together with students of SK Permatang Keledang and SK Sri Terentang.

The programme was implemented in collaboration with GIATMARA Pekan, Yayasan MR. DIY, Public Islamic Bank Berhad (PIBB), Adabi, and others.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Ts. Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press