A group of students from Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Industrial Technology (UniKL MITEC) took a proactive step by learning sign language to support and empower 18 hearing-impaired students from SMK Taman Sutera, Skudai, Johor, in the fields of agriculture and entrepreneurship.
These students, who are part of the Skuad Mahasiswa Generasi Ta’zim Club, used their newly acquired sign language skills to engage with the special education students.
They introduced them to the fundamentals of agriculture through hydroponic vegetable cultivation, as well as guided them in marketing the produce to the local community.
“This initiative holds the potential to significantly impact the lives of Special Education students by providing them with meaningful hands-on experiences, nurturing their self-confidence, and equipping them with practical skills in agriculture and entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Latipah Nordin, Head of the Student Development Section at UniKL MITEC, during the officiating ceremony of the community project, Duta Jauhar Green Urban Project.
The project was organised by the Skuad Mahasiswa Generasi Ta’zim Club in collaboration with Yayasan Pelajaran Johor, UniKL MITEC’s Student Development Section, and SMK Taman Sutera.
It is led by Nur Izzati Syazwani NorLisam, a Bachelor of Industrial Logistics student, under the guidance of project advisor Mr. Muhammad Akmal Hakim Hazman.
Special Education students are individuals with disabilities or learning differences who require tailored educational approaches and support systems to help them succeed academically and in life.
These students may face challenges in communication, mobility, behaviour, cognitive development, or social interaction.
Through the Duta Jauhar Green Urban Project, the initiative aims to empower Special Education students by providing them with essential agricultural knowledge and skills, thereby supporting their journey towards self-reliance after school and enabling them to become active, valued members of their community.
The project not only benefits the participants directly but also reflects UniKL’s broader commitment to sustainability and social impact.
As a higher learning institution, UniKL recognises its role in contributing to Quality Education and Reduced Inequalities, not just through academic programmes, but also by encouraging students to engage in meaningful community work that promotes accessibility, empowerment, and social awareness.
It also echoes UniKL’s internal efforts to support Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) values, particularly in promoting inclusive community engagement and practical, sustainable solutions.
