UTP Students Lead STREAM Initiative in Royal Belum’s Orang Asli Community
8 February 2026
20 multidisciplinary undergraduate students from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) conducted a one-day University Social Responsibility (USR) programme at Kampung Sungai Tiang, Royal Belum, Perak recently.
Students facilitating interactive learning sessions.
The initiative, titled “Nurturing Minds, Enriching Lives,” was carried out as part of the Matapelajaran Umum 4 (MPU4) course requirement in collaboration with the Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF), with support from Belum Forest Friends volunteers and sponsorship from Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn Bhd, BDS Warisan Sdn Bhd and Julie’s Manufacturing Sdn Bhd.
Literacy-focused modules such as HurufPoly and Eja Tampal
Operating under the team name Terrasyn.Tech and supervised by Ts Dr Azlan Ahmad from the Integrated Engineering Department, the students designed and delivered STREAM- (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) based learning activities for children from the Jahai Orang Asli community, alongside reinforcement of foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
Five interactive activity stations were developed to address specific developmental areas.
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Creative stations including Pertempuran Warna and Reka & Bina introduced elements of teamwork, fine motor development and early exposure to scientific and engineering concepts. A short mini senamrobik session was also incorporated to promote physical engagement.
In addition, 50 boxes containing essential household items and 50 stationery packs were distributed to families and students in the village.
Distribution of essential supplies and stationery packs.
Located within Royal Belum State Park — one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests — Kampung Sungai Tiang faces geographical and infrastructural challenges that may affect access to educational resources. The initiative was therefore designed to complement classroom learning through interactive, play-based approaches that build confidence, participation and collaborative skills among young learners.
Reflecting on the experience, Terrasyn.Tech Project Director Walin Thohirah said, “It was a small milestone, but it reminded us how meaningful focused attention and encouragement can be. Even within a limited timeframe, we witnessed tangible progress in the students’ literacy and numeracy skills.”
The programme marked UTP’s first collaboration with the Pulau Banding Foundation and Belum Forest Friends. For participating students, the initiative fulfilled the experiential learning objectives of MPU4, which requires undergraduates to design and implement community-based projects that cultivate civic responsibility, leadership and collaborative problem-solving.
