REaCH 2.0 Programme Enhances Rural Communities With Green Tech, Education

KUALA PILAH, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- The Rural Empowerment and Community Help 2.0 (REaCH 2.0) programme, a collaboration between Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Yayasan Telekom Malaysia (YTM), provides an innovative platform and integrated training to enhance the socio-economic conditions of rural communities through education, green technology, and sustainable development.

Project leader, Associate Professor Dr Nur Kamaliah Mustaffa, said the programme combines academic expertise, industry support, and community involvement to improve the economy, social well-being, and entrepreneurial skills of rural populations.

This initiative builds on the success of REaCH 1.0, which took place in Kuala Terengganu last year, featuring various training sessions and community projects aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The festival not only highlights local cultural heritage but also serves as an inclusive platform, fostering collaboration between universities, industries, government agencies, schools, and the community. It is an opportunity for knowledge sharing and promoting community sustainability,” she told Bernama here today.

For this year’s edition, the programme focuses on the rural communities of Kampung Juasseh Tengah and Kampung Pasir Ambor in Kuala Pilah.

The Perpatih REaCH 2.0 Festival was officially launched by Negeri Sembilan Education and Human Capital Committee chairman Datuk Ismail Lasim, at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pasir Ambor here. Also present were YTM director Ainol Shaharina Sahar and UiTM project coordinator Nur Kamaliah,

Ainol Shaharina emphasised that YTM remains committed to strengthening community development through education, technology, and sustainable practices to help enhance the potential of rural areas.

Through this programme, the foundation introduced several key projects to the communities, including the Eco SmartShroom Community Garden, Solar Systems, Smart Classrooms, Rainwater Harvesting Systems (SPAH), 3R Stations, and the E-Learn Lounge. These initiatives aim to incorporate green technology into the daily lives of rural residents.

“Additionally, YTM allocated RM60,000 in entrepreneurship grants to 20 local entrepreneurs to support the growth of micro-businesses and social enterprises in these communities,” she added.

Meanwhile, Ismail highlighted that the success of REaCH 2.0 demonstrates the positive impact of collaborations between the public sector, academia, and industry in uplifting communities.

He stressed the importance of expanding such initiatives to other villages to ensure no group is left behind in the development process.

-- BERNAMA