• Universiti Malaya Community Engagement Centre (UMCares)
  • umcares@um.edu.my
  • 03-79677357
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UNIVERSITI MALAYA COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
MyRA ASSESSMENT
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 
5-STAR RATING
EDUCATION EQUITY SOCIAL INCLUSION

Skills-Based Curriculum for Non-Malaysian Children in Sabah

Implementing the 3KS Module (Handicraft, Tradition, Entrepreneurship) to meet educational needs and foster national harmony for undocumented children in Kota Kinabalu.

Locations: PPA Kampung Numbak & PPA Kg Telipok, Sabah
Partners: National Security Council (Sabah Branch)
Children Learning in Sabah
1326 Total Beneficiaries
595 Children Enrolled
RM 11.5k Industry Funding
6 Project Months

The Objective (3KS Module)

The Local Community Skills Based Curriculum Module (3KS) emphasizes three core components: handicraft skills (mengkuang weaving), traditional art (Igal-Igal dance), and entrepreneurial skills. Developed with a Cultural and Natural Responsive Approach, it aims to instill "Love Negara Malaysia" and fulfill the basic education rights of non-citizen children.

Demographics & Context

Targeting children without identity documents, the project serves diverse ethnic groups: Bajau Ubian (55.2%), Suluk (24%), Kagayan (18.4%), and Pelaou (2.4%). By providing structured education, the project balances anti-national sentiments caused by identity crises and oppression, fostering long-term security and social harmony.

Outcomes & Future Roadmap


📖
Published Literature Release of the book "Perjalanan: Citra Kanak-kanak Bukan Warga Negara Malaysia Tanpa Dokumen Pengenalan Diri" (ISBN: 978-983-9662-31-3).
🧺
Skill Mastery Children acquired handicraft skills (weaving baskets and bags) intended for future social enterprise development.
🤝
Network Support Full collaborative support established between UM, NSC, IPG Kent Campus, and the local PPA communities.
🛒
Online Social Enterprise Continuing to supply Mengkuang bookmarks and baskets to be marketed online due to consistent demand.
✏️
Formal Integration Proposed transition of the 3KS module into the standard schooling curriculum at Alternative Learning Centres (PPA).
Cultural Preservation Ensuring traditional arts and handicrafts are not lost in time by empowering the next generation of youth.

Evidence & Documentary


Traditional arts
Learning environment
Handicrafts

Global Goal Alignment

This project supports inclusive and equitable quality education and reduces inequalities for vulnerable children in Sabah.

SDG 4: Quality Education SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Last Update: 12/04/2026