RYTHM Foundation has wrapped up its first-ever Community Adoption Programme in the East Malaysian state of Sabah (CAP Sabah), marking a significant step towards empowering several indigenous Dusun communities.
A partnership with local NGO Good Shepherd Services (GSS), the programme focused on three key areas: academic support for primary school children, mentoring youth in eco-tourism ventures, and empowering women with micro-enterprise training.
These were carried out in three villages in the Kiulu sub-district – Kampung Lokub, Kampung Talantang, and Kampung Ratau.
The three-year project has achieved remarkable results, benefiting 165 individuals – particularly 100 students who received academic tuition and improved their academic performance. Children from the neighbouring villages of Tapatau Linasadan, Sinansag, Sinopukan, Rungus Panansawa, and Gayaratau also benefited from this initiative.
In addition, 21 young entrepreneurs and 23 women are actively involved in eco-tourism ventures and micro-enterprises through the Youth Connect Circle (YCC) and Women in Small Enterprises (WISE) components, respectively.
The women craft necklaces and grow fresh produce, in addition to having created “Kiulu Kio,” a food brand featuring two unique products: a condiment from the “liposu” fruit and banana stem chips.
CAP Sabah’s True Heroes
The CAP initiative fosters self-sufficiency and sustainability within underserved communities while acknowledging and honouring their cultural expertise and affirming their agency as custodians of their futures. The programme currently includes an Orang Asli Bateq village in Pahang.
Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran, the Chairperson of RYTHM Foundation, credited the success of CAP Sabah to the enthusiastic beneficiaries, who are shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
“The true heroes are the highly dedicated villagers reaping the fruits of their labour. They have inspired us to continue raising ourselves to serve underprivileged communities,” Datin Sri Umayal said during the project’s closing ceremony in Kampung Lokub.
She added, “Our approach isn’t about relocating beneficiaries from their communities. Instead, it empowers them to embrace their identity with pride. Let’s amplify their strengths and culture rather than impose change.”
Our engagement in Sabah demonstrates our commitment to supporting communities in need, regardless of location. The state’s allure for the Foundation lies in the abundant potential in vast, underdeveloped areas.
“We believe in leaving no one behind and ensuring everyone can access opportunities and resources,” said Santhi Periasamy, the Head of RYTHM Foundation.
Member of the GSS board of directors, Datuk Petrus Gimbad, expresses the NGO’s steadfast commitment to the communities it serves. “GSS will ensure the continuity of the initiatives in these villages through capacity-building programmes and entrepreneurship training sessions,” he said.
Datuk Joniston Lumai @ Bangkuai, the state Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, expressed hope that CAP Sabah’s achievements would inspire and facilitate the expansion of similar projects beyond the beneficiary villages.
“The project has shown what is achievable through unity and collaboration. Let’s keep collaborating for even greater success and replicate this model to benefit more communities,” Datuk Joniston noted.
The event was also attended by the Founder and Executive Chairman of the QI Group of Companies, Dato’ Sri Vijay Eswaran, and members of the QI Group Board of Directors.
Read more:
RYTHM Ventures into Sabah with Community Adoption Programme
Community Adoption Programme in Sabah Leads Off With Academic, Youth Empowerment Facets
RYTHM’s Community Adoption Programme in Sabah Fuel’s Jessy Lausin’s Teaching Dreams
