On 12 and 13 July 2024 organized by the Social Security Management Center of Excellence (SOSCoE), Business Management Study Center (SBM) together with the students of BSMH 3123 Human Resource Management Seminar and BSMH 3133 Management of Organizational Trainers in collaboration with the Kedah State Development Office, the Coordination & Implementation Unit (ICU) of UUM, the Prime Minister's Department (JPM) and the Education Office Kubang Pasu.
Didik Kasih 3.0: Menyemai Inspirasi, Membangun Masa Depan, a transformative program aimed at inspiring and empowering youth, was successfully conducted by students from two esteemed courses—BSMH3123 Seminar in Human Resource Management and BSMH3133 Managing of Training of Trainers—during the A232 semester. This impactful event occurred from 19–20 July 2024 at Dewan Seminar A, Pusat Konvensyen UUM, where students showcased their dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders.
This initiative was designed to engage secondary school students from the Kubang Pasu district, with participation from ten schools and a total of over 90 students. The program was made possible through the collaboration between the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department Kedah, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), and was generously funded by SOSCOE. Through this bulletin, we highlight the main elements of this inspiring event and its impact on participants.
Overview of Didik Kasih 3.0
The Didik Kasih 3.0 program carries the theme Menyemai Inspirasi, Membangun Masa Depan, or Sowing Inspiration, Building the Future. The aim was to provide a positive and nurturing environment for students to explore personal growth, enhance self-awareness, and develop essential life skills. By collaborating with various government and academic bodies, the program embodied a community-driven effort to nurture future leaders, especially among youth facing socio-economic challenges.
Participants, who were secondary school students from ten different schools in Kubang Pasu, experienced a series of workshops, motivational talks, and interactive activities designed to challenge their perspectives, boost their confidence, and instill a sense of purpose. Students engaged in experiential learning modules, led by knowledgeable trainers from UUM’s esteemed courses, BSMH3123 and BSMH3133.
Key Objectives and Focus
The key objectives of Didik Kasih 3.0 were as follows:
- Inspiring Positive Change: To motivate secondary school students to recognize their potential, set goals, and adopt a growth mindset.
- Enhancing Critical Skills: To develop essential life and interpersonal skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.
- Providing Guidance and Mentorship: To offer mentorship from university students, allowing the younger participants to envision pathways to higher education and personal success.
- Strengthening Community Ties: By engaging stakeholders such as the ICU and SOSCOE, the program sought to reinforce the importance of collaboration and community-building in driving positive social change.
Program Highlights and Keynote Events
On the last day of the program, the closing ceremony was held at Dewan Seminar A, where students were welcomed with an engaging keynote address by the Deputy Director of the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) Prime Minister’s Department Kedah, Dr. Mohammad Zaini bin Mohamud. The closing speech emphasized the vital role of education, the value of personal growth, and the significance of taking proactive steps to secure a promising future.
A series of motivational talks and workshops followed, each led by students from the BSMH3123 and BSMH3133 courses. These workshops provided interactive, hands-on learning experiences that resonated deeply with the young participants. They covered key areas, such as:
- Goal-Setting and Vision-Building: Students learned to articulate their aspirations and develop actionable plans to achieve them.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Interactive role-playing and group exercises helped participants understand the value of empathy, active listening, and clear expression.
- Building Self-Confidence: Engaging activities designed to foster self-confidence and resilience encouraged students to embrace their unique strengths.
In addition, the program integrated team-building activities that emphasized the importance of collaboration. Students worked together to complete tasks, fostering camaraderie and teaching them the value of collective problem-solving.
Joint Collaboration: UUM and ICU
The program was brought to fruition through the steadfast collaboration between UUM and the ICU of the Prime Minister’s Department Kedah. This collaboration exemplifies the commitment of government agencies and educational institutions to nurture young talents, particularly in rural districts. By merging resources and expertise, the ICU and UUM provided the necessary support and structure to make Didik Kasih 3.0 a success.
The ICU’s involvement was instrumental, as it represented the government’s commitment to fostering opportunities for youth, especially those from underrepresented communities. This partnership reflects the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to achieve sustainable social development.
SOSCOE’s Role as the Main Sponsor
A pivotal part of the program's success was the generous funding provided by SOSCOE. This sponsorship enabled the organizers to create a high-quality experience for all participants. From transportation arrangements for students from various schools to providing engaging materials and refreshments, SOSCOE’s support made it possible to offer a memorable and enriching experience for all attendees.
SOSCOE’s commitment to social responsibility and youth empowerment is commendable, as it illustrates how corporate involvement can create lasting change in communities. This partnership not only benefited the students directly but also set a precedent for future collaborations aimed at promoting educational opportunities and skill development for young individuals.
The Participants: Secondary School Students from Kubang Pasu
Didik Kasih 3.0 welcomed secondary school students from ten schools within the Kubang Pasu district, totaling approximately 90 participants. These students represented diverse backgrounds and aspirations, with each bringing unique perspectives and energy to the program.
The selection process was designed to ensure that students from different schools and socioeconomic backgrounds had the opportunity to benefit from this initiative. By inviting students from various schools, the program encouraged the exchange of ideas, broadening participants' outlook and promoting intercultural understanding.
Impact and Outcomes
The Didik Kasih 3.0 program left a lasting impact on all involved. Students returned home with renewed confidence and the knowledge that they had the power to shape their futures. Participants provided positive feedback on the program’s engaging nature, the quality of the training sessions, and the insights they gained from peer interactions.
The workshops helped students recognize the importance of personal accountability, critical thinking, and goal-setting—qualities that will benefit them both academically and in their personal lives. Many participants expressed that they felt encouraged to pursue higher education and now understood the steps they needed to take to reach their ambitions.
Reflections from Organizers and Stakeholders
The students from the BSMH3123 and BSMH3133 courses expressed pride in organizing and executing such a meaningful project. For them, Didik Kasih 3.0 was not only a platform to apply their academic knowledge but also a chance to contribute positively to the community. Working closely with the ICU and receiving SOSCOE’s support enhanced their appreciation of the importance of partnership in achieving community development goals.
Conclusion
Didik Kasih 3.0: Menyemai Inspirasi, Membangun Masa Depan successfully achieved its mission of inspiring, educating, and empowering secondary school students from Kubang Pasu. The program stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when educational institutions, government agencies, and the corporate sector collaborate toward a common goal.
The success of this event reaffirms the importance of continued investment in youth development programs, and UUM, along with its partners, is committed to expanding initiatives like Didik Kasih to reach even more students in the future. Through programs like these, a brighter and more hopeful future is being built, one inspired student at a time.
