Implementation of rural development programme: how could IHL students works effectively with the public community and governmental bodies

Abstract

Rural development has been the main agenda of the Malaysian economic policies where there are a lot of acts, legislation, as well as new development activities being introduced and implemented since the independence in 1957. According to the report by Ministry of Rural and Regional Development of Malaysia, there are 6 issues and challenges that being faced by rural community. The issues and challenges are: (1) Mind transformation, (2) Value of rural community, (3) Rural leadership, (4) Unattractive job opportunity, (5) Limited opportunity for entrepreneurship activities, (6) Land problem. All the issues highlighted above should not only be borne by the government or related ministries alone, but requires the involvement of all community levels including institutions of higher learning (IHL) located nearby. Thus, it is very much important to encourage the involvement of IHL students toward the effective implementation of any development activities in education, sustainable development, safety, economic, entrepreneurship, welfare, soft skills and so on with the cooperation of governmental bodies around the community. For instance, we have conducted before for the first time the Mechanical Engineering Innovation and Design Exhibition 2011 that focused on the student's creativity and innovation skill to develop and introduce a product that could help or contribute towards the urban community needs. The programme was mainly organized by students themselves with minor assistance from lecturers who acted only as a project advisor. However, what can we concluded from the programme is that the programme itself had contributed significantly to the development of student's skills and knowledge; but not to towards the development of the community due to the lack of involvement from the community. The main challenge faced was to attract the participation of the community to join in the exhibition. Therefore, for the next organizing session, we have planned to do it more systematically by holding a community workshop entitled "Community Workshop on the Enhancement of Design and Innovation Activities in Batu Pahat 2012" with the participation of academics, IHL students, governmental bodies such as fire fighting department, crime fighting department, educational office, medical officers as well as public community themselves prior to the exhibition to grasp the requirements and attract more attention from those related parties. It will also be a kick off meeting for the establishment of mutual understanding towards the effective implementation of community development programme.