JOHOR BAHRU, May 23 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) students from the ULRF 2272 Leadership and community course, a Credit Co-Curricular subject, successfully organized a Service Learning program themed “Waste to Worth: Jom Kenal Baja Kompos!” at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Taman Universiti 4. Executed under the Service-Learning Malaysia University for Society (SULAM) framework and with the support of Undergraduate Studies (UGS), the program aimed to foster environmental sustainability awareness, particularly in managing organic waste into valuable resources, through an interactive and experiential learning approach.

The program was designed as an early exposure platform and a meaningful Knowledge Transfer program for primary school students regarding the potential of recyclable waste and the individual’s role in supporting a green lifestyle.

Functioning as a high-impact Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the relaxed and enjoyable learning approach helped students understand solid waste management and compost production more effectively, making the subject matter meaningful and relatable to their daily experiences.

The morning session commenced with a welcoming speech by the Program Director, Nadia Ahmad Albab. The event then proceeded with a program introduction and a Compost Fertilizer Talk, interactively conducted by the Moderator, Muhammad Harith Adzri Zamzuri, which successfully captured the participants’ attention and cultivated their curiosity.

To assess and strengthen the students’ comprehension, pre-program and post-program surveys were creatively integrated into a Sorting Game and a Bingo Game. These activities not only tested the students’ existing knowledge of waste segregation but also encouraged critical thinking and enthusiastic teamwork.

The highlight of the program was the DIY Activity: Compost Fertilizer Production. Through this practical workshop, participants were divided into groups to experience firsthand the process of making compost using the provided materials. This hands-on activity exposed students to the scientific process of organic recycling while boosting their self-confidence and communication skills.

The program concluded with a closing ceremony officiated by the Senior Assistant of Student Affairs (GPK HEM) of SK Taman Universiti 4, Noriah Idris, who completed the officiation gimmick on behalf of the school administration.

In her speech, she expressed deep gratitude for the strategic collaboration between UTM and the school. Earlier in the ceremony, the Deputy Program Director, Lai Huan Zhe, delivered a programme summary highlighting the achievement of the day’s objectives.

The ceremony was further brightened by a prize-giving session for the winning groups, which was also presented by Noriah Idris.

Overall, the “Waste to Worth: Jom Kenal Baja Kompos!” program was more than just an academic requirement for the university facilitators. It successfully elevated the young students’ understanding of environmental sustainability.

The initiative proved that student leadership skills are effectively cultivated through community service, while the primary school students are now visibly more aware and motivated to play an active role in preserving the environment.