KKL OPEN DAY ’25 Demonstrates Student Commitment to National SDG Agenda

27 June 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The KKL OPEN DAY ’25, organised by the Student Welfare Committee (JAKMAS) of the Off-Campus Residential College (Kingfisher and USIA-1Borneo), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), has underscored the active role of students not only as learners, but also as agents of change in advancing the nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Held from 12 to 15 June under the theme “Fostering Awareness and Empowering Communities”, the four-day programme successfully brought together diverse segments of society through a series of educational, health-related, entrepreneurial and collaborative activities.

The event served as a platform for community engagement while aligning with five core SDGs, namely Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

Among the standout initiatives was the STEM Bridge Building Competition, which introduced primary school students from Kota Kinabalu to fundamental concepts in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

This activity aimed to foster creativity and critical thinking skills from an early age, in line with the national emphasis on quality education.

Health awareness was another major focus, with a series of talks and a blood donation drive conducted in collaboration with Queen Elizabeth II Hospital and the UMS Faculty of Medicine.

These initiatives raised public awareness on breast cancer and promoted health literacy, further encouraging the adoption of healthier lifestyles.

In support of gender empowerment, the UMS Taekwondo Club led a self-defence demonstration specifically aimed at women.

This session highlighted the importance of personal safety and confidence, reinforcing efforts to combat gender-based violence and empower women to navigate safety-related challenges with resilience.

Meanwhile, student-run and community-operated sales booths provided participants with valuable, hands-on exposure to entrepreneurial practices.

These practical sessions offered training in communication, logistics, planning and financial management—essential skills aligned with the goal of promoting decent work and economic growth.

The programme also featured robust cross-sector collaboration, with more than eight external organisations, including IEM-YES, Lok Kawi Zoo, Telipok Ria Handicraft Club and various academic departments from UMS, contributing to the event’s overall impact.

These strategic partnerships underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation in achieving sustainable development.

More than a typical campus event, KKL OPEN DAY ’25 served as a living testament to the potential of student-led initiatives in supporting national and global aspirations.

The programme stands as a model for future high-impact projects that integrate education, public engagement, gender inclusivity and strategic alliances in shaping the next generation of leaders.