SANDAKAN: Five outstanding students from Politeknik Sandakan Sabah (PSS) have been selected to represent the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (POLYCC) Malaysia in an international mission to Malang, Indonesia – bringing the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda directly to the community level.
The 11‑week International Community‑Based Internship and Service Programme (1 April – 16 June 2026) will station the Malaysian delegation in Plaosan Village, Malang, East Java. There, they will collaborate with Institut Teknologi dan Bisnis Asia (ITBA) Malang to drive a green transformation anchored in several key SDG targets.
The PSS student ambassadors – all young specialists in green and sustainable practices are: Erikha Erlion (Diploma in Agrotechnology), Andikah Nurhayat Razanali (Diploma in Agrotechnology), Chalwin Sinoh (Diploma in Agrotechnology), Mohamad Taufiq Hidayat Mohd Yusoff (Diploma in Aquaculture Technology) and Nur Aisyah Saiful Bahari (Diploma in Aquaculture Technology).
Leveraging their expertise in agrotechnology and aquaculture, the students are focusing on long‑term, sustainable outcomes aligned with global commitments:
SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) & SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) – The team is spearheading the construction of sustainable home gardening networks (TOGA) and organic waste composting systems to improve villagers’ food security and reduce waste.
SDG 4 (Quality Education) – They are translating high‑impact TVET syllabi into practical technology transfer for rural communities.
SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) – The project fosters cross‑border collaboration among POLYCC Malaysia, ITBA Indonesia, local authorities, and industry partners to ensure future sustainability.
“This programme translates the strategic agenda of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) in elevating Malaysian TVET. We are not only producing competent graduates, but global changemakers who deliver SDG‑based sustainable solutions for the well‑being of rural communities,” said Ts. Khairul Anuar Ishak, Director of Politeknik Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, who approved the project framework.
To guarantee the continuity of this SDG initiative, the project is guided by a dual‑mentorship system (academic and industry) together with complete technical documentation. This will enable the residents of Plaosan Village to independently manage and expand the systems for local economic sustainability. – James Leong
The students prior to their departure to Indonesia for the International Community‑Based Internship and Service Programme.
