UPM & Sabah Softwoods Empower Rural Education, Bridge the Digital Divide

TAWAU, SABAH – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), in collaboration with Sabah Softwoods Berhad, recently organized a community outreach program at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Brumas. The initiative aimed to empower rural education through knowledge transfer and sustainable community development.

The program focused on bridging the educational and digital gap for rural students by introducing interactive learning modules and volunteer-driven activities.

Building Future Leaders Through Volunteerism

According to UPM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr. Arifin Abdu, the impact of this program is two-fold. While it provides vital academic and digital exposure to school children, it also serves as a crucial groundbreaking experience for university students.

"This program does not merely provide exposure to school students; it also shapes the identity and character of our undergraduates by actively involving them in volunteerism," said Prof. Dr. Arifin.

He emphasized that high-impact community engagement helps university students develop empathy, leadership, and a deeper understanding of socioeconomic realities.

Strengthening Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

As a key partner in this initiative, Sabah Softwoods Berhad reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting local community growth. By focusing on education, the organization aims to uplift the livelihoods of communities living within and around its operational areas.

A representative from Sabah Softwoods Berhad stated that the company remains dedicated to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillars, viewing education as the ultimate tool for sustainable rural development and long-term empowerment.

Date of Input: 24/12/2021 | Updated: 19/05/2026 | ma_husaini