By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Meraki Daat Sabah Initiative to beautify Kampung Lobong in Pulau Gaya with a vibrant community mural was completed in April this year.
The initiative, under its flagship Project Picasso, was launched by Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit.
The artwork, painted on a volleyball court over three days, involved 50 volunteers, including students from the Sabah Institute of Art (SIA) and UNITAR Kota Kinabalu.
The design was based on a winning entry from the Meraki Daat Art Competition in December 2025, created by Candy Hiew. It captures the spirit, identity and environmental aspirations of the community.
Prior to the launch on May 3, 2026, SDA youth led a community clean-up initiative and installed signage made from recycled materials, reinforcing the importance of sustainability and collective responsibility.
The initiative was made possible through support and collaboration from key partners and sponsors, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Nippon Paint Malaysia, STB and Mapei Malaysia.
Project Picasso serves as a platform to inspire community ownership, environmental stewardship and economic empowerment.
Meraki Daat is working closely with communities in three villages to promote cleanliness and responsible waste management, develop eco-friendly products and local enterprises, strengthen unity and collaboration among villagers, and position the village as a future ecotourism destination.
While Meraki Daat provides guidance, resources and access to opportunities, the long-term success of the initiative depends on strong community participation and shared responsibility.
In supporting these efforts, Meraki Daat is also working closely with STB to support the development of community-based tourism.
“This project is a dream come true for us. When we first started, our intention was simply to beautify the village,” said Meraki Daat Charter President Michelle de la Harpe.
“But along the way, we realised that true transformation begins with awareness — cleaning our environment, understanding waste, and taking responsibility as a community.
“This mural is more than just art. It is a symbol of what we can achieve together. For Kampung Lobong and Gaya Island as a whole to truly succeed as an ecotourism destination, it requires unity, ownership and pride from everyone.
“We will continue to support and open opportunities, but the future of this village lies in the hands of its people,” she said.
The launching of community mural under Picasso Project initiated by Meraki Daat.
