Student of Library and Information Science Study Program, Darren Rafferty Hazman class of 2021, participated in the Service Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM 2023) Collaboration with Padjadjaran University. This event was held on 07 – 09 July 2023 at the Perkampungan Nelayan, Kuala Sungai Baru Melaka, Malaysia. Darren conveyed some of the activities he did while participating. He met students from the Universiti Teknologi Mara Melaka (UiTM) by participating in various activities and outings in their village. He also introduced Indonesian culture and language to students and the local community. Then, he carried out hiking activities in the Tanjung Tuan Recreational Forest, Port Dickson, Malaysia, and attended the Cultural Night, which featured drama and music performances. The closing ceremony was held on the last day, and Darren attended lunch with Rosli Abdullah (YB Expert of the Kuala Linggi State Invitation Council) with parties from UiTM.
Reporting from Unpad.io (2023) Service-learning Malaysia-University for Society or SULAM is a learning method focused towards providing opportunities for students to contribute knowledge, skills, and competence in their field towards solving problems or issues within communities. It is one of the initiatives of higher education in Malaysia aimed to produce graduates who are holistic, balanced, and entrepreneurial mindset. SULAM is also one of the elements that characterize High Impact of Educational Practices in the curriculum of programme academic, a practice introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) in 2016. Darren added that this event aims to encourage students to work actively in each program. which is to mobilize, train, and sharpen new talents with leadership competencies besides fostering skills in socializing and in groups, communication, responsibility, and sensitivity by involving the local community and students abroad.
To take part in this activity, several requirements must be met by participants, that are having a minimum GPA of 2.75, a letter of recommendation from the Dean of the Faculty or Head of Study Program, a CV in English, grade transcripts, making motivation letters, color photographs, and farewell statement. After going through the registration and selection process, Darren and several other students were able to represent Unpad in the SULAM 2023 activity. Darren shared his experiences, such as the difference between knowing the higher education system in Malaysia and Indonesia. the discussion is about culture, language, social behavior, to the economic conditions of the people in Malaysia. He also shared his feelings and advised other friends to take the chance on similar opportunities and not hesitate to try new things. “Alhamdulillah, everything went well, even though at first it was a bit nervous, being able to represent Unpad there well, for friends to be able to welcome opportunities for similar activities, and don’t hesitate to try new things,” said Darren.
