SULAM success measured by real impact on the community
TANJONG MALIM – The success of the Service Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM) program implementation in higher education institutions must be evaluated based on the real impact created for the community, rather than just the number of activities or student participation.
Director of the Academic Development Center at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Associate Professor Dr. Normah Jusoh, stated that aspects of implementation quality, impact measurement, project sustainability, and strategic collaboration with industry and the community must be prioritized to strengthen the implementation of SULAM in the future.
She said the SULAM approach connects academic learning with real-world experience alongside the community, thereby providing students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in addressing challenges and meeting community needs.
“Through SULAM, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge, understand societal challenges, and work together to find solutions that provide benefits.
“This is the strength of SULAM. The knowledge learned is not only assessed through academic achievement but is also translated into actions that bring positive change to people's lives,” she said.
She said this while officiating the SULAM UPSI 2026 Prize Giving and Appreciation Ceremony at the SITC Hall, Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Campus on Tuesday.
Normah said the implementation of SULAM is very much in line with UPSI's aspiration as an education university committed to producing graduates who are not only excellent academically but also possess high human values and social responsibility.
According to her, the students' experience in interacting and carrying out activities with the community also plays a role in shaping empathy, leadership, cooperation, and volunteerism, which are essential in producing quality graduates.
She said the success of every SULAM project is also supported by the commitment of lecturers in planning and guiding learning, the dedication of students in carrying out activities, and the cooperation of the community as strategic partners.
In this regard, she hopes that the recognition through the appreciation ceremony can serve as a catalyst for producing more creative and innovative SULAM projects that provide long-lasting benefits to society.
“Today's appreciation is not only to celebrate the award recipients but also as recognition for all parties who have contributed to the success of SULAM@UPSI,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Academic Talent Development Unit, UPSI Academic Development Center, Dr. Hamidah Idris, said that the organization of the SULAM UPSI 2026 Carnival, which is a continuation of the annual program since 2024, serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, experience, and networking between SULAM project implementers at UPSI and higher education institutions nationwide.
She said 72 entries were received for the SULAM@UPSI 2026 Innovation Showcase, while the final presentation session involved 32 teams from nine higher education institutions with a total of 132 finalists.
According to her, the organization of various activities throughout the carnival also provided space for lecturers and students to highlight creative and innovative teaching and learning approaches based on community needs.
“Hopefully, the recognition given through this ceremony can encourage more lecturers and students to explore SULAM projects that are capable of making a meaningful impact on the community,” she said.
