Sustainability Journey: From the Classroom to the Heart of the Community
By: Dr. Nor Hazwani Hassan
KUALA NERUS – Bachelor of Accounting students at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) enrolled in the Business Ethics and Corporate Governance course have demonstrated that theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom can be transformed into meaningful contributions to community well-being. Through a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes implemented in two main phases, the students successfully integrated business ethics principles with impactful volunteer service. The project was funded by the Sustainable Management Centre (Pusat Pengurusan Lestari, PPL), UMT, as the principal funding agency.
Phase 1: Strengthening Community Bonds in Kampung Maras
The first phase commenced with the “Clean Village, Harmonious Community 2026” programme. A total of 47 participants, including local residents, joined forces in a community clean-up initiative at the Wakaf Chatur Islamic Cemetery and Kampung Maras Mosque. Beyond improving the cleanliness of the facilities and surrounding overgrown areas, the programme served as a valuable platform for interaction and collaboration between university students and the local community.
Cleaning activities inside the mosque were carried out in a cheerful and cooperative atmosphere, while maintenance work at the cemetery was conducted with great care to ensure a cleaner, more organised, and conducive environment. More than a physical clean-up effort, the programme provided students with practical exposure to the values of accountability and social responsibility, which form the foundation of their academic curriculum.
Phase 2: Promoting Environmental Sustainability at INOS Beach
The spirit of volunteerism continued in Phase 2, titled “Beach Clean-Up Project 2026: UMT Sustainability Day,” held at INOS Beach. With the participation of 25 students, the programme shifted its focus to the conservation of the marine ecosystem. An educational component, the “Trash Hunt Game,” was incorporated to raise awareness of proper waste segregation and recycling practices.
A significant amount of solid waste was collected during the clean-up, directly supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water. The initiative also increased students’ awareness of the environmental impacts of plastic pollution and the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems.
Overall Impact: More Than Just Community Service
Overall, the two phases successfully achieved their objectives by supporting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Beyond contributing to the SDGs, the programmes served as an important platform for developing students’ soft skills. Through the planning and implementation of the projects, participants strengthened their leadership abilities, teamwork, and time management skills, ensuring that each phase was carried out effectively and according to schedule.
From a strategic perspective, the initiative further strengthened the partnership between the university and the local community, fostering long-term collaboration that benefits both parties. The project also serves as an effective service-learning model, demonstrating that integrating academic theory with community engagement can nurture ethical and socially responsible future leaders. The commitment shown by these students should serve as an inspiration and benchmark for others to continue contributing towards a greener, more sustainable, and harmonious future.
Jejak Lestari: Dari Bilik Kuliah ke Hati Masyarakat
Oleh: Dr. Nor Hazwani Hassan
KUALA NERUS – Mahasiswa Sarjana Muda Perakaunan dari Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) yang mengikuti kursus Business Ethics and Corporate Governance telah membuktikan bahawa ilmu teori di bilik kuliah mampu diterjemahkan menjadi sumbangan bermakna kepada kesejahteraan masyarakat. Melalui siri program Tanggungjawab Sosial Korporat (CSR) yang dilaksanakan dalam dua fasa utama, para pelajar ini berjaya menggabungkan prinsip etika perniagaan dengan khidmat sukarelawan yang bermakna. Projek ini dilaksanakan dengan sokongan pembiayaan daripada Pusat Pengurusan Lestari (PPL) UMT sebagai agensi pemberi dana utama.
Fasa 1: Memperkukuh Hubungan Komuniti di Kampung Maras
Fasa pertama dimulakan dengan program “Kampung Bersih, Komuniti Harmoni 2026”. Seramai 47 peserta, termasuk penduduk kampung, berganding bahu menjalankan aktiviti gotong-royong di Tanah Perkuburan Islam Wakaf Chatur dan Masjid Kampung Maras. Aktiviti ini bukan sekadar membersihkan fizikal bangunan dan kawasan semak, malah ia menjadi platform interaksi antara mahasiswa dan komuniti setempat.
Aktiviti pembersihan dalaman masjid berlangsung dalam suasana penuh keceriaan, sementara kerja-kerja penyelenggaraan di kawasan perkuburan dijalankan dengan penuh ketelitian bagi memastikan persekitaran yang lebih teratur serta kondusif. Inisiatif ini bukan sekadar aktiviti fizikal, malah menjadi medan praktikal bagi mahasiswa menghayati nilai akauntabiliti dan tanggungjawab sosial yang menjadi tunjang utama silibus pembelajaran mereka.
Fasa 2: Kelestarian Hijau di Pesisir Pantai INOS
Kesinambungan semangat sukarelawan diteruskan melalui Fasa 2 bertajuk “Beach Clean-Up Project 2026: Hari Lestari UMT” di Pantai INOS. Dengan penyertaan 25 mahasiswa, tumpuan beralih kepada pemuliharaan ekosistem marin. Menariknya, program ini turut diselitkan dengan elemen pendidikan seperti “Trash Hunt Game” bagi memberi pendedahan teknik kitar semula yang betul.
Pelbagai sisa pepejal berjaya dikutip, sekaligus menyokong Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan (SDG) 14 mengenai kehidupan di bawah air. Inisiatif ini turut membangkitkan kesedaran para pelajar tentang bahaya pembuangan plastik terhadap alam sekitar kita.
Impak Keseluruhan: Lebih Daripada Sekadar Kerja Amal
Secara keseluruhannya, kedua-dua fasa ini telah berjaya mencapai objektif murni dalam menyokong pelbagai agenda Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan (SDG), termasuk SDG 3 (Kesihatan) dan SDG 11 (Komuniti Lestari). Lebih daripada sekadar memenuhi matlamat SDG, program ini menjadi platform kritikal dalam mengasah kemahiran insaniah para mahasiswa UMT secara keseluruhan. Melalui perancangan dan pelaksanaan projek, para pelajar berpeluang mengasah ciri kepimpinan, semangat kerja berpasukan yang utuh, serta kemahiran pengurusan masa yang kritikal bagi memastikan setiap fasa berjalan lancar mengikut jadual.
Dari sudut strategik, inisiatif ini mengukuhkan lagi jambatan hubungan antara pihak universiti dan komuniti setempat, mewujudkan satu sinergi jangka panjang yang bermanfaat kepada kedua-dua belah pihak. Projek ini juga berfungsi sebagai satu model pembelajaran berasaskan komuniti (service learning) yang berkesan, membuktikan bahawa integrasi antara teori akademik dan amalan sosial mampu melahirkan pemimpin masa hadapan yang beretika. Komitmen yang ditunjukkan oleh para mahasiswa ini seharusnya menjadi inspirasi dan penanda aras bagi pelajar lain untuk terus menabur bakti demi masa depan yang lebih hijau dan harmoni