MELAKA, December 17, 2025 – Year 1 Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) students from the 2025/2026 session, along with the Sports Studies Association (PPS), Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), successfully implemented a community service program titled "Recreation for Conservation: Social Experience at the Melaka Turtle Conservation Center" held at the Melaka Turtle Conservation Center.
This program is recommended as part of the course requirements for SPE3332: Sociology of Sport and Leisure, which is designed to support students' holistic development thru a community-based learning approach. The organization of this program reflects the Faculty of Education's ongoing efforts to integrate academic learning with real-world field experiences.
Among the main objectives of the program are to expose students to the application of sports sociology and leisure concepts in a real-world context thru community service activities (CSR), environmental conservation clean-ups, beach recreational activities, and learning visits. This approach not only strengthens the theoretical understanding learned but also contributes to the development of students' soft skills, including effective communication, leadership, teamwork, and civic awareness.
According to the course lecturer, Dr. Nurhidayah Yaakop, the organization of this program is a significant out-of-classroom learning approach in strengthening the development of students from the Department of Sports Studies. "This program provides students with the space to build character, empathy, and social responsibility while applying sociological knowledge in real-life situations," he explained.
The involvement of the Melaka Turtle Conservation Center as an industry partner also added value to this program thru the sharing of expertise related to turtle conservation, habitat management, and the importance of environmental sustainability. This exposure directly increases students' awareness of the role of the community and industry in efforts to conserve biodiversity and ecosystem balance.
In conclusion, the highest appreciation and thanks are extended to the Melaka Turtle Conservation Center, the Department of Sports Studies, the Faculty of Education Studies, and all students who were directly and indirectly involved in the success of this program. It is hoped that the organization of such programs can be continued as an effective medium for empowering student development and producing future educators who are holistic, ethical, and caring toward society and the environment, in line with the aspirations of Universiti Putra Malaysia.