WHEN Professor Dr Mahendhiran Sanggaran Nair, currently Pro-Vice-Chancellor(Research and Sustainability), at Sunway University first visited the Desa Mentari flats known as Project Perumahan Rakyat (PPR), occupied by residents from the B-40 community, his first thoughts were to transform the community through student-led initiatives.
Over three years, from 2022, the public housing scheme, located along the Federal Highway in Klang Valley, has been part of a community initiative led by 1800 Sunway university students. They are supported by the Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. Community service has also successfully been embedded into the course curriculum for the university.
“The Sunway students are privileged to receive a good education. However, I believe with privilege comes responsibility, and with their education and opportunities, they too can make a difference in improving the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, especially when they are located so close to Sunway University,” he said.
The scenes of poverty and poor living standards coupled with the deplorable state of the buildings galvanised Mahendhiran and his Sunway team into preparing a blueprint for the sustainable development of the Desa Mentari flats and its occupants, giving them opportunities in education, creating green and safe spaces, encouraging sports and social cohesion and finally to make a positive impact on the community.
