The Begempuru programme was successfully implemented at Rh. Jungan anak Mitoh at KM 25, Jalan Bintulu-Tatau on 8 October 2022. This program originated from the initiative of the Entrepreneurship project group consisting of lecturers in the Department of Social Science and Management, Faculty of Humanities, Management and Science at the level of Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus (UPMKB) who have been appointed by the Community Transformation Center University (UCTC), UPM.

 

This program is one of the Community Agricultural Skills Development Programmes under UCTC which is implemented to achieve the objective of knowledge transfer between UPM staff and students and the local community. Begempuru is a term borrowed from the Iban language which means gathering. In line with its meaning, the Begempuru programme has successfully brought together UPMKB lecturers and students as well as experts in the field together with the Rh. Jungan community to share knowledge and expertise to improve the economic well-being of the community.

 

The objectives of the Begempuru programme are to:

1) Share knowledge and expertise with the community

2) Strengthen ties with industry in the knowledge sharing process

3) Empowering the involvement of lecturers and students in local community programmes

4) Provide opportunities for students to apply the knowledge they have learned as well as strengthen their identity

 

The Begempuru Programme has successfully gathered 48 participants from among the residents of Rh. Jungan and its surrounding areas, 38 students of the Diploma in Business (DPNT) semester 4, six academic officers at JSSP as well as two invited speakers from Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) Bintulu Branch and Bintulu Division Agriculture Department. The partnership with the community covers the topic of "AIM Ikhtiar Project" presented by Mr. Nasaruddin Yusuf (AIM Bintulu Branch Manager); "Food Processing Ideas" shared by Madam Anggang Jimbun (Agriculture Officer, Department of Agriculture Bintulu Division); "Managing Finance: It's Easy!" by Dr. Shairil Izwan Taasim (Senior Lecturer, UPMKB); and "Promoting Products with Whatsapp" delivered by Dr. Sharon Ong (Senior Lecturer, UPMKB) who also guided participants in Group Training activities (LDK). At the end of the program, participants from their respective groups presented their product recommendations.

 

Well done and congratulations to all parties who made this Begempuru programme a success. May it benefit not only the community, but also the students and the university.