OBJECTIVE:

The Student Affairs and Alumni of UCSI University Sarawak Campus in collaboration with the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Kuching successfully organized Rooted in Nature, Nurture your Mind: Tree Planting Programme at Sabal Forest Reserve on 3 October 2026. The programme reflects the University’s continued commitment to environmental sustainability, conservation, and community engagement. Building on its previous efforts, of planting 500 forest tree saplings at the reserve last year and its commitment to support forest restoration initiatives through meaningful partnerships and volunteer-driven activities.

A total of 603 native tree saplings, including Meranti Tembaga, Mersawa Kunyit, Ramin Bukit, Meranti Lop, and Menggeris, were successfully planted during the programme. The programme brought together 110 participants, comprising UCSI University students, graduands, and staff, as well as stakeholders from the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Kuching, personnel from the Forest Department Sarawak, and members of the local community.

This programme also aligned with UCSI University’s 3P1G (Three Plants for One Graduate) Initiative and serves as a key component of the University’s Eco-Campus Programme, which promotes sustainable development through education, engagement, and environmental action. Furthermore, the tree-planting activity supported the campus’s carbon offset efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the events it has hosted for the year.

According to Puan Zarina binti Haji Shebli, Head of the Restoration and Forest Industry Division (Assistant Director) at the Forest Department Sarawak, it is encouraging to see more organizations and institutions actively supporting environmental conservation efforts. She shared that Greening Sarawak successfully achieved its target of planting 35 million trees under the Greening Malaysia Campaign 2021-2025 in June 2024, one year ahead of schedule. Building on this achievement, the state is now working towards planting an additional 50 million trees between 2026 and 2030 under the Greening Malaysia 2.0 initiative. She added that every tree planted today contributes to this goal and expressed her sincere appreciation to UCSI University Sarawak Campus for its continued support and commitment to preserving the environment.

As each tree takes root, so too does UCSI University’s commitment to cultivating graduates who exemplify Integrity, Resilience, Humility, Excellence, and Innovation. It also exposes students to the practical importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By encouraging active participation in sustainable development and forest conservation, it empowers students to become responsible global citizens who leave a meaningful and lasting legacy for both society and the environment.

The initiative was made possible through the generous support of Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Kuching’s stakeholder WormingUp, as well as UCSI University’s merchant partners, Edon Pharmacy, HD Image and Leaves Food Industries Sdn. Bhd. Their valuable contributions and commitment played an important role in the success of the programme.

UCSI University continues to promote volunteerism and environmental responsibility through its collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Department. By taking part in conservation and education sustainability programmes, the University helps protect forests, preserve biodiversity, and encourage students and communities to work together towards a greener and more sustainable future.