Curtin Malaysia students lead campaign against food waste at Kampung Pasir

Miri, Sarawak – 15 November 2024 – Eight students from Curtin University Malaysia’s Faculty of Business recently visited Kampung Pasir with a mission: to tackle food waste and support local families through their ‘Say No to Food Waste in Malaysia, Donate Surplus to the Needy’ campaign. The initiative, part of Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to social responsibility, brought not only much-needed food supplies but also awareness about sustainable consumption.

Led by their lecturer, Dr. Samuel Adenyinka-Ojo, the campaign was organised as part of the students’ Digital Public Relations and Storytelling unit, combining classroom learning with real-world impact. The campaign also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

“Through this project, we want our students to make a tangible difference while addressing a critical global issue. Food insecurity and waste reduction are interconnected challenges, and this experience brought them face-to-face with that reality,” said Dr. Samuel.

He added that the campaign was designed to fulfill the requirements of the third assessment group project for the Digital Public Relations and Storytelling unit, with the Food Aid Foundation Malaysia as the adopted client.

The students presented various food essentials to Kampung Pasir’s village chief, Edward anak Mampo Kapir.

In addition to the food distribution, the campaign created an online ripple effect. Leveraging platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter), the students spread messages of food waste awareness and sustainability, reaching not only the Curtin Malaysia community but a broader public audience.

Digital Public Relations and Storytelling student Cassandra Sonia Thiyaga Rajan shared her thoughts on the experience: “This campaign was more than an assignment; it was a chance to learn the power of social responsibility and storytelling. Meeting the residents of Kampung Pasir, Lutong and seeing how our efforts were appreciated was truly inspiring.”

This impactful initiative reflects Curtin Malaysia’s dedication to nurturing socially conscious students who are equipped to drive positive change in society.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Dr. Samuel Adenyinka-Ojo (4th left) presents food essentials to village chief Edward anak Mampo Kapir, joined by the students who led the meaningful initiative