UNESCO Chair in Community Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education

Qadim Hub (Malaysia)

Location

Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia

2. Partners:

  1. Sarawak Museum Department
  2. Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA)
  3. Borneo Studies Network

3. Description

About Us:

Qadim Hub, UNIMAS is a part of the Knowledge for Change (K4C) Hub Consortium, an initiative of the UNESCO Chair in Community-Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education. Located in the heart of Borneo, Qadim Hub provides structured CBPR training through community-led projects in Borneo region and bring together stakeholders in co-creation of knowledge. Qadim Hub is established in year 2021 under the management of University Sustainability Centre (USC), UNIMAS. In line with UNIMAS motto “Community-driven university for a sustainable world”, our academics have been working closely with local communities for the past 30 years to bring sustainable social change.

Our Vision & Mission:

Leveraging our strong partnership with community, we aspire to be a globally recognized hub committed to educating the next generation of community-based researchers for advancing knowledge democracy and co-creation of place-based actionable knowledge in Borneo. To achieve this vision, our mission is to strengthen community-based participatory research (CBPR) via formal, structured and international partnered training initiatives.

Uniqueness of Our CBPR Programs:

We design and conduct CBPR educational programs to develop research capacities for the co-creation of knowledge through collective action by academia, community, government, agencies, non-profit organizations and industry partners. Our modules are designed to provide knowledge and skills needed to create sustainable positive impact in the community.

Immersive experiential CBPR learning is the central approach to drive Qadim Hub's training programs. Participants are given opportunities to apply the CBPR knowledge and skills learned through service learning in real community context, solving real issues.  Among the tools learned our participants are the multiple layer design canvas, design thinking, TRIZ and art-based research, which can be applied to strengthen the impact of their work with their community partner.

Our Global Network:

In line with UNESCO principles, we have strong strategic global partnerships between universities, such as the K4C consortium network, Borneo Studies Network, South East Asia Sustainability Network (SEASN), and Asia-Pacific University-Community Engagement Network (APUCEN). The partnerships are characterized by shared goals, joint responsibilities, and a commitment to advancing community – led initiatives.

Website: qadimhub.unimas.my

  1. Mentors

Noraziah Abdul Wahab: Assoc. Prof. Noraziah Abdul Wahab is the Director of the University Sustainability Centre, UNIMAS. Specializing in chemical engineering and sustainability leadership, she actively works on water treatment systems for schools in Sarawak’s rural areas. She is also involved in the Sarawak community's livelihood and socio-economic development plan projects and STEM education programs.

 

Narayanan A/L N. Kulathu Ramaiyer: Prof.  Dr Narayanan Kulathuramaiyer works with remote rural communities, shapes ICT education strategy, and innovates MOOC technology for marginalized communities. He's been pivotal in UNIMAS' Virtual Campus and eLearning efforts, earning recognition and awards for community projects like eBario and e-Toro Indigenous Knowledge Management system.

 

Rafeah Wahi: Assoc. Prof. Dr Rafeah Wahi is the Coordinator at Qadim Hub, University Sustainability Centre, UNIMAS. Her work with community includes waste management in community, poverty eradication programmes and STEM Education. She is also a passionate service-learning practitioner and is currently a member of the National Strategic Committee for Service Learning Malaysia: University for Society (SULAM) and Malaysian Analytical Sciences Society.

 

Ahmad Syafiq Ahmad Nasir: Dr Ahmad Syafiq Ahmad Nasir is the Deputy Director (Community Engagement) of University Sustainability Centre, UNIMAS. His commitment to community service is reflected in his efforts on endangered species conservation, poverty alleviation and sustainable aquaculture practices throughout Sarawak. As an active member of the Malaysian Fisheries Society and the American Fisheries Society.

 

Haslan Ottot: Haslan Ottot is an economist actively engaged in community projects encompassing health and tourism development to enhance socio-economic conditions. He conducts research in health, social equity, tourism, recreation, cultural heritage, and archaeology in Borneo.

 

  1. Hub Projects
  1. Empowering Young Researchers Through CBPR

Annually, approximately 4000 UNIMAS students and lecturers implement service-learning (known as SULAM in Malaysia) projects in local communities. The students and lecturers are from diverse backgrounds including social sciences, business and economics, medicine and nursing, applied and creative arts, cognitive sciences and human development, education, language and language, resource sciences and technology, engineering and computer sciences. At the same time, Sarawak is rich in local culture, which protocols varies communities of different ethnicity and locality. Thus, it is important to equip the lecturers and students with basic CBPR knowledge and skills to ensure effective engagement with community partners which will lead to impactful SULAM project implementation. The 3-day training is offered every semester and contain the following modules.

  • Module 1: Introduction to CBPR
  • Module 2: Engaging with communities
  • Module 3: Designing CBPR project
  • Module 4: Ethical considerations and knowledge sharing
  • Module 5: CBPR project proposal pitching
  1. CBPR Certificate Program

The certificate program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding necessary to lead and facilitate effective community-based participatory research initiatives that address complex societal challenges and promote social equity. The programme specifically targets diverse communities and professionals from various sectors. This includes government agencies, academic institutions, community groups and CSR professionals from industries seeking knowledge and skills to collaborate effectively with communities and develop evidence-based solutions for their CSR programs. The 6-month program applies immersive experiential learning through service learning as a pedagogical approach in supporting participants to achieve their intended learning outcomes. List of modules and their content is as follows:

Module 1: Introduction to Participatory Community-Based Research

  • Community centric social change
  • Understanding Sarawak’s policy
  • Reviewing relevant CBPR resources
  • Working multi-discipline
  • Identifying stakeholders

Module 2: Understanding the Community

  • Community protocols
  • Ethics
  • Community Data
  • Communication skills
  • Working together with community

Module 3: The principles of co-creation of knowledge with community

  • Understanding social innovation
  • Initiating, planning, executing, evaluation and monitoring
  • Basic of knowledge management (e.g. IP, commercialization)

Module 4: CBPR Methodology

  • Research design, sample, and instruments
  • Data collection method
  • Approaches and tools
  • Art-based research

Module 5: Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination

  • Introduction to knowledge sharing and dissemination
  • Knowledge sharing and dissemination approaches 
  • Copywriting

Module 6: CBPR Project

  • CBPR proposal
  • CBPR project
  • Presentation
  1. Borneo Leadership Transformation & Strategic Program (BOLTS): Leadership In Diversity & Sustainability

The Borneo Leadership Transformation & Strategic Program (BOLTS): Leadership in Diversity & Sustainability is a 4-day immersive programme to equip leaders with the essential skills to navigate the complexities of leadership in diverse environments while fostering sustainability. Tailored for managers from local and international universities, government agencies and industry, the programme aims to empower leaders to drive strategic change effectively and engage with stakeholders to develop transformative strategies. Through eight carefully curated modules, participants will explore global trends and challenges in leadership, delve into the intricacies of diversity and sustainability leadership, and gain practical insights into knowledge co-creation and innovation. By the end of the course, participants will emerge with the ability to lead with a nuanced understanding of diversity, a commitment to sustainability, and the strategic acumen necessary for driving positive community transformation. Follows are the BOLTS modules:

  • Module 1: Global Trends and Challenges in Leadership
  • Module 2: Leadership in Diversity
  • Module 3: Sustainability Leadership
  • Module 4: The Principles of Knowledge Co-creation
  • Module 5: Innovation in Leadership
  • Module 6: Leading Strategic Change
  • Module 7: Sustainable Community Transformation Engagement
  • Module 8: Leadership Presentation

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