Shorea Harvest is a sustainability-driven initiative focused on the responsible harvesting and processing of engkabang (Shorea macrophylla) or also known as Boneo Butter, a high-value forest resource native to Sarawak. Engkabang is rich in natural fats with excellent moisturizing, antioxidant, and stabilizing properties, making it highly beneficial for food applications, natural cosmetics, and wellness products. The main objective of this project is to improve the economic level of the Song community by producing engkabang oil in a more efficient and systematic way, helping the community to generate income, as well as developing strategies to promote and market engkabang oil.

The project integrates sustainable harvesting practices with strong community participation to deliver high-quality raw materials, while supporting forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and long-term income generation for local communities. It attracted the attention of YB Tuan Lidam Assan (State Assemblyman for N62 Katibas). Several meetings have been held together with the District Officer of Song, Mr. Harry Bruce Edwin, and 11 community leaders of Song, comprising temenggong, pemanca, and penghulu. A total of 10 mini machines for extracting engkabang oil have been handed over to the community leaders for use by the community during the engkabang season.

The "Waste to Wealth" project is a sustainability-focused community initiative under the University Community Social Enterprise (UCSE) competition, spearheaded by the Ministry of Higher Education. Designed to transform discarded materials into valuable resources, the project aims to foster environmental stewardship and socioeconomic empowerment in rural areas. Implemented in Kampung Sampun and Kampung Tambey in Asajaya, the project engaged 18 local villagers through practical, hands-on workshops. Participants learned to upcycle everyday waste into functional and marketable products, equipping them with valuable skills while promoting circular economy principles.

By turning waste into opportunity, the initiative not only encourages sustainable living and responsible consumption but also creates potential income-generating avenues for the community. It actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:

·         SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

·         SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

·         SDG 15 – Life on Land

·         SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

Through education, collaboration, and innovation, "Waste to Wealth" exemplifies how grassroots action can drive meaningful change protecting the environment while uplifting communities.

LuvSop is a natural soap brand made using plant extracts found in the state of Sarawak. The plant extracts are sourced and purchased from local B40 communities. Through this brand, the owner provides free training to the B40 community in Sri Aman.

Communitee Impact

Through this initiative, the community is able to generate income from the sale of plant extracts as well as from producing their own soap. The Sri Aman community also serves as a production hub when there is a high volume of customer orders.

Job on Campus (JoC)

The LuvSop brand was created by the students under the guidance of the UNIMAS Entrepreneurship Centre. These students have not only become a jobready graduates who generate income but have also created employment opportunities for others.

Demonstrating outstanding entrepreneurial skills and sustainability-driven innovation, Team UNIMAS successfully emerged as a finalist in the Business Combat competition, securing a cash prize of RM2,000. The competition was part of the Program Keusahawanan Muda Peringkat Nasional, organized by Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) and was held on 15 January 2025 at Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor (DATC), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam.

The team brought their innovative product, MyceliBanana, an eco-friendly mushroom substrate made from banana waste. This groundbreaking solution repurposes agricultural waste into a nutrient-rich growing medium for mushrooms, providing a cost-effective, sustainable alternative for mushroom farmers. By utilizing banana waste, MyceliBanana addresses two key challenges: reducing organic waste and enhancing mushroom cultivation efficiency. Its unique formulation supports higher yield production, improved substrate stability, and environmental sustainability, making it an ideal choice for commercial mushroom growers and an important step toward circular economy practices in agriculture.

Representing Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS):

·         Darren Lim Wei Jie (Faculty of Resource Science and Technology)

·         Riesshen Singh (Faculty of Resource Science and Technology)

·         Phidias Voon Yik Ying (Faculty of Resource Science and Technology)

·         Eva Arlynn Ayra (Faculty of Resource Science and Technology)

·         Ahmad Izzthaqif Iman (Faculty of Economics and Business)

Mentor: Dr Mohamad Hasnul bin Bolhassan (Faculty of Resource Science and Technology)