Sibu: On 16 April 2022, a group of students from the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) participated in a community service project at SK Kampung Bahagia Jaya. It was the first collaboration between IEEE Sarawak Sub-section and UTS. The primary goal of this project is to provide adequate illumination at night and early morning in the compound of the school by installing a stable solar-powered lighting system. In return, it will save money on electricity bills, which can be used for supporting the development of the school.

Mr. Sharkawi, the Principal of SK Kampung Bahagia Jaya, mentioned that the school was in bad shape and that he had been asking for financing and help from the local community and the government. Following the discussion, the team desires to offer their prior expertise by installing a green lighting system.

This project was fully supported by IEEE. UTS was honoured to send out a team of six students for the anticipation of the community service. The students were divided into two groups and led by Dr. Then Yi Lung (Executive Committee Member of the Sarawak Sub-section for Humanitarian Technology Activities) and Dr. Yong Ching Yee (UTS) respectively. The students were excited about the opportunity to contribute to the community thru what they have learned in campus. Their job in this project included pre-installation tasks such as wiring and insulation; during-installation tasks such as drilling, nailing and fixing; and post-installation tasks such as coating, sealing and cleaning. The installation work started at 8 am and ended at 1230 pm.

After the lunch break, the students were introduced to Dr. Tay Fei Siang, the Executive Committee Member of the Sarawak Sub-section for Educational & Student Activities. He welcomed the students as a part of IEEE and shared his experience in conducting the activities. The sharing session was then ended with the appreciation of this project and motivation for the following projects in the future.