UMPSA Kembara Lestari opens 2026 tour engaging Permatang Keledang Pekan community

PEKAN, 15 February 2026 – The five-day Kembara Lestari 2026 Programme held in Permatang Keledang is a community service initiative by Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) to engage the local community with a focus on Orang Asli community development through sustainability approaches, knowledge transfer, and the use of technology.

The programme, organised by Yayasan UMPSA at selected locations, has now reached the 13th stop of its tour series since its introduction four years ago, involving 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.

The programme was officiated by the Chairman of the Pahang State Investment, Industrial Development, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Mohamad Nizar Dato’ Sri Mohamad Najib, who is also the Peramu Jaya State Assemblyman.

Also present were the Chairman of the UMPSA Board of Directors, Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar, who is also Chairman of Yayasan UMPSA, the Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah Alias, who is also Deputy Chairman of Yayasan UMPSA, and Yayasan UMPSA trustee, Datin Nur Sharmila Shaheen.

In his speech, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Mohamad Nizar said that the Pahang State Government remains committed to supporting high-impact initiatives that provide real benefits to the community, particularly in rural areas and Orang Asli communities.

“Programmes such as Kembara Lestari are in line with the state’s aspiration to ensure inclusive and sustainable development that leaves no community behind in the wave of progress.

“The State Government also encourages strategic collaboration between universities, government agencies, and local communities.

“Cross-sector collaboration is crucial to ensure that knowledge, technology, and expertise transfer can be implemented effectively and continuously, in line with the actual needs of the community on the ground,” he said.

He also expressed pride in the success of the school’s students when Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Permatang Keledang won the gold medal in the Innovation Robotics category at the 26th International Robot Olympiad 2024/2025 in Busan, South Korea, last year.

He added that UMPSA’s expertise, particularly in STEM, will provide students with opportunities to explore the world of science enjoyably while instilling motivation to learn and achieve their aspirations, especially in science and technology.

He also presented prizes and contributions of laptops and mobile phones for learning purposes.

Also present were the Pekan Parliamentary Special Representative, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Aminuddin Mat Yassin, Deputy Director-General (Development), Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), Tuan Ir. Ts. Mahat Mat Dong.

Also present were the Registrar of UMPSA, Dato’ Saiful Bahri Ahmad Bakarim, Headmaster of SK Permatang Keledang, Cikgu Ahmad Zaki Zainudin, and Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan UMPSA, Mohd Jamil Mohd Ja’afar.

Meanwhile, Dato’ Mohamad Nizar expressed hope that programmes such as Kembara Lestari could be expanded to more localities throughout the state of Pahang.

“In addition to directly benefiting the community, this approach should also serve as a reference for other community initiatives as a development model based on collaboration and long-term impact,” he said.

Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak added that the expedition programme not only disseminates education but also enhances the standard of living and sustainability of the community holistically.

A total of 60 Yayasan UMPSA volunteers camped in Permatang Keledang, Pekan, to implement the Kembara Lestari@Permatang Keledang 2026 Programme for five days, concluding today.

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

The Technology Cluster implemented solar installation and vertical farming projects around SK Permatang Keledang, while the Community Cluster carried out mural activities at the school and Ziarah Prihatin visits to deliver food supplies.

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.

Adding to the vibrancy, about 200 members of the local community participated in the traditional sports activities held at the school field.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

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