• 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