UNIMAS called to bring community programmes to every village in Stakan

KUCHING: Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim has called on Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to bring its community programmes to every village in his constituency.

Speaking at the opening of the STEPS: CSR 2026 programme at Kampung Jawa Semenggok Lama today, he said he hoped the two-day event would mark the start of a long-term partnership.

“It should not be the first and the last. Let it be a beginning. UNIMAS is welcome to come to Stakan,” he said.

Hamzah said university staff and students gave their time without pay or allowances, while learning from villagers at the same time.

Hamzah delivers his speech.

He suggested future programmes go beyond aid to sharing knowledge, including free tuition for schoolchildren and for parents who are free in the evenings.

He also reminded graduates that a degree did not guarantee success.

“It is only a ticket to life. Real life is waiting outside, and it is not as easy as we think,” he said.

Hamzah urged students to do something that would make their parents proud, and encouraged residents to make use of the health screenings offered at the event.

The programme on Oct 16 and 17 was organised by UNIMAS’ Psychology and Counselling Section as part of the fourth STEPS Summit 2026, in conjunction with National Counselling Month.

Activities included a communal clean-up, aerobics, health screenings and a children’s colouring competition.

The Employees Provident Fund and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission also held sharing sessions.

Bakul Sejahtera (Well-Being Baskets) were also presented to 100 individuals in need.