JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 24 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is dedicated to promoting community empowerment and sustainable development through its Knowledge Transfer Programme – Research Innovation Grant (UTM KTP-RIG). One of its sub-projects, titled “Pemindahan Ilmu Kesihatan dan Gaya Hidup Sihat kepada Komuniti Sri Pulai,” focuses on the Sri Pulai Sihat dan Cergas program. Led by Dr. Asha Hasnimy Mohd Hashim from the Faculty of Educational Science and Technology (FEST), this initiative aims to transform lives by encouraging healthy and active lifestyles among women in Taman Sri Pulai, Skudai, Johor. Scheduled to run from February 2024 to January 2025, this program has already achieved remarkable milestones in collaboration with the Community Development Department (KEMAS) Iskandar Puteri and Trio Diva Fitness.
The program is designed to improve the health and fitness levels of over 30 women in the Taman Sri Pulai community. Weekly activities take place at Padang Futsal, Jalan Ara 9, Taman Sri Pulai, and include a variety of exercises such as aerobics, tai chi, yoga, and Zumba, all led by UTM Sports Science students. These engaging sessions encourage participants to adopt healthier lifestyles and foster a sense of community. A participant profiling system is in place to track improvements in fitness, body composition, physical endurance, and healthy living practices. This ensures the program’s objectives are met while providing valuable data for future initiatives.
The project leader, Dr. Asha Hasnimy Mohd Hashim, emphasized the program’s broader impact: “This project not only contributes to the community but also serves as a platform for knowledge sharing. The findings and experiences from this initiative have been presented at conferences, the New Academia Learning Innovation (NALI) competition, and published in book chapters. Students, in particular, benefit immensely from hands-on activities that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.“
In addition to its community benefits, the program provides Sports Science students at UTM with valuable hands-on experience, connecting theory to practical application. Its success has been recognized with a Silver Medal at NALI 2024, and its findings have been presented at the Seminar Antarabangsa Pemerkasaan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat 2024, organized by UTM and the Darul Ta’zim Family Development Foundation (YPKDT). A book chapter titled “Status Komposisi Badan dan Prestasi Fizikal Wanita Dewasa Menyertai Program Aktiviti Senaman dalam Komuniti” has also been published, further solidifying the program’s impact.
Key activities of the program include exercise sessions complemented by information sharing through Telegram to ensure broader engagement. Fitness screening tests are conducted in June 2024 (baseline) and January 2025 (final assessment) to evaluate participants’ progress. UTM students, Trio Diva Fitness instructors, and external coaches conduct various fitness modules, including aerobic and physical exercises, while providing personalized coaching. Continuous online support through Telegram keeps participants motivated and connected.
The Sri Pulai Sihat dan Cergas program exemplifies UTM’s commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development. By promoting healthy lifestyles and providing practical learning opportunities, this initiative has made a lasting impact on the Taman Sri Pulai community and set a benchmark for future health initiatives. Through this program, UTM continues demonstrating its dedication to fostering healthier, more active communities while enriching its students’ educational experiences.
