KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4 – A landmark community knowledge transfer project, officially launched by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shahrum Shah Abdullah, is creating pathways to economic independence for marginalised groups by providing them with professional window tint installation skills. The initiative was driven by Dr. Nurul Zainab Along in a strategic collaboration with P10 ACADEMY, a specialist in tint and paint protection film (PPF) installation training.
The project delivered practical, hands-on technical training to two distinct communities: youth from the Orang Asli community in Kuala Pangsun, Hulu Langat, and a men’s group from Perumahan Awam (PA) Desa Rejang. For the Orang Asli youth, the programme culminated in a formal assessment which they successfully passed, opening a direct pathway to advanced training and career opportunities at P10X ACADEMY. Meanwhile, the session provided the men’s group from PA Desa Rejang with their first exposure to the trade, equipping them with foundational skills for potential employment or entrepreneurship.
During the officiation ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shahrum Shah Abdullah stated, “This project exemplifies the power of translating academic commitment into tangible societal benefit. By equipping these communities with a marketable skill, we are building bridges to sustainable livelihoods.” Echoing this sentiment, project lead Dr. Nurul Zainab Along said, “Our goal is to foster self-reliance. This knowledge transfer is a catalyst, reducing economic disparities and opening doors that were previously inaccessible.”
The project is a direct implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It promotes Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) by providing a marketable skill, and Quality Education (SDG 4) through practical, industry-relevant training. It actively works to Reduce Inequality (SDG 10) by empowering marginalised groups and stands as a perfect example of Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) through the collaboration between academia, industry, and community networks.
The initiative received generous funding from the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) for the programme with the men’s group from PA Desa Rejang, and from the Centre for Community and Industry Network (CCIN) for the engagement with the Orang Asli youth. The project team was further strengthened by the contributions of Ts. Dr. Abd Halim Mad Ali and Ts. Dr. Zatil Izzah Ahmad Tarmizi from MJIIT. Essential industrial expertise was delivered by the P10X ACADEMY team, including the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Che Salwani Enche Mohd Noor, Business Developent Manager Sarwanie Sauti, and Coach Leo Lim.
Feedback from participants highlighted the project’s transformative impact. Zaidi, an Orang Asli youth from Kuala Pangsun, shared, “From this knowledge transfer, I did not only gain skills, but a pathway to get a decent job while training at P10X ACADEMY for 6 months. Before, I had on and off job in this village, which is not much, but I have higher hopes in getting good pay from this job.” Mat Rani from PA Desa Rejang added, “I have learned the right technique of installing the tint film on windows; this is very valuable knowledge and skills. Although I am not young anymore, the skills I get I can use it in my house and also spread words about the learning opportunity at P10X ACADEMY.”
This collaborative project stands as a powerful model for how strategic partnerships between universities, industry, and community networks can create lasting, positive change and drive inclusive economic growth.
