ReIPvolution Elevates UMS Nationally Through Rural Education Innovation Under SULAM–ReIP

25 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) continues to strengthen its national standing as its student-led innovation project, ReIPvolution, garners an outstanding series of recognitions through the rural education initiative SULAM ReIP.

According to a statement by Centre for Academic Excellence and Development (CAED), this achievement not only elevates UMS’s reputation as an institution committed to community development but also highlights the ability of its students to produce creative, high-impact solutions in addressing educational disparities in rural areas.

“Originally introduced as Reading in Paradise (ReIP), a modest effort to restore reading access in a rural primary school, the project has since evolved into EduTaman Inspirasi, a creative outdoor learning space that integrates literacy, arts, emotional well-being, and experiential education.

“Implemented under Service-Learning Malaysia–University for Society (SULAM) through the Social Inequality course at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK), this initiative provides students with a meaningful platform to translate academic theories into real, impactful community engagement.

“Beyond applying classroom knowledge, students also cultivate essential values such as leadership, empathy, and teamwork, while gaining firsthand exposure to the challenges faced by underserved communities,” according to the statement.

CAED also emphasized that the experience not only enriches their academic journey but also shapes them into socially responsible individuals equipped to contribute to long-term societal development.

“The year 2025 marked a breakthrough for ReIPvolution, which secured a remarkable series of achievements: Gold and Best Presenter at SUISS, Gold at IPICTL × SULAM@UPM, Gold at SULAM UMS, Gold and Second Best Project at SULAM@UPSI, and Gold at the SPSSK 2025 Research Poster Competition.

“The project was also selected as a national finalist for SULAM Innovate, scheduled for November under the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT).

“In recognition of its substantial impact on rural communities, the team was further honoured with the Sabah Academic Excellence Award (AKSA), carrying a cash prize of RM8,000.

Meanwhile, course coordinator Ramlah Daud said the series of achievements reflects UMS’s strong commitment to community empowerment through SULAM while shaping high-impact student leaders.

“SULAM does not only open doors for students to contribute to society; it shapes the character, leadership, and empathy needed in the real world,” she said.

Project leader Muhamad Khalif Fiqri bin Mohd Rusdy@Suis, a final-year student from the Sociology and Anthropology Programme, represented UMS in several national showcases.

His involvement highlighted the university’s commitment to empowering students through impactful community-based initiatives.

At IPICTL × SULAM@UPM, Muhamad Khalif delivered a compelling presentation of the SULAM–ReIPvolution project to academic assessors.

His strong presentation skills and leadership contributed significantly to the team’s success in securing a Gold award at the event.