COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND STUDENT LEARNING THROUGH INTERNATIONAL SULAM PROJECTS: INSIGHTS FROM THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Service-learning has emerged as an innovative pedagogical approach that combines academic coursework with meaningful community engagement. The SULAM (Service-Learning Malaysia-University for Society) initiative, supported by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, aims to address the  students' educational experiences and the feedbacks from the symposium. The 1st International Symposium on Sustainable Communities Through SULAM Projects 2023 highlighted the transformative impact of integrating academic learning with community service. This paper analyses quantitative study on the entry-exit survey and the qualitative study through symposium's activities, focusing on the effectiveness of the SULAM projects in fostering sustainable communities. Using the survey and document analysis, the key findings indicate the SULAM projects enhanced community engagement, improved student skills, and significant contributions to sustainability goals. The study also identifies challenges through the discussion through the symposium in scalability and evaluation, offering recommendations for future initiatives.