KUCHING – The aroma of fragrant spices filled the air at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus recently as students and staff bustled around large pots of simmering ingredients. This was not just the scent and sound of bubur lambuk being prepared but the heartwarming symphony of community spirit as the Swinburne community came together to cook bubur lambuk in conjunction with the Ramadan season.
A tradition that goes beyond satisfying hunger pangs, bubur lambuk – a lightly spiced rice porridge – is often served during the fasting month. More than just a hearty meal, it holds significant traditional value and symbolises Malaysian culture and unity.
On the morning of 3 April 2024, Swinburne Sarawak’s vibrant community gathered at the Swinburne Sarawak Student Village to initiate the preparation of the bubur lambuk. This get-together transcended cultural boundaries, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Students participate in the preparation of the bubur lambuk.
By mid-afternoon, over 600 servings of bubur lambuk were dished out by the team of volunteers. The delicious porridge was not just shared with the university’s students and staff; it was also delivered to four neighbouring organisations, namely the Sarawak Cheshire Home, Sarawak Society for the Blind, PERKATA Special School and Jabatan Pertahanan Awam Sarawak.
The event was a collaboration between Swinburne Sarawak Student Experience, Student Village, Staff Recreational Club and Swinburne Sarawak Student Council.
Leela Julong (front row, third left) and other members of Swinburne Sarawak Staff Recreational Club take a group photo with representatives from PERKATA Special School during the distribution of the bubur lambuk to external organisations.
Abdull Rahmat bin Abdullah Chik, an Accommodation Officer who was one of the representatives for Swinburne Sarawak Student Village, said, “We are thrilled to bring the spirit of togetherness to our Ramadan festivities on campus! This event is about more than just food; it’s about coming together as a community and embracing the spirit of Ramadan.”
Leela anak Julong, President of Swinburne Sarawak Staff Recreational Club, emphasised that the distribution of bubur lambuk exemplified the university’s commitment to fostering community unity and upholding the spirit of giving during the Ramadan season.
“This heartwarming initiative showcases the university’s dedication to giving back to society,” she said.
Echoing Swinburne’s vision to bring people and technology together to build a better world, she added, “The campus community is driven by a shared sense of purpose, with a focus and investment in what the university knows can make a real difference in the world.”
Swinburne Sarawak staff and students take a group photo featuring the packed bubur lambuk ready for distribution.
Chloe Liong, Vice President of Swinburne Sarawak Staff Recreational Club, perfectly summed up the day. “Seeing everyone from the Swinburne community gather to prepare bubur lambuk – from cooking to packing, cleaning and distribution – was truly special,” she remarked.
“This event embodied Swinburne’s core value of building a better world. The university is not just about technology or innovation; it is also about the power of human connection and compassion. Ramadan is the perfect time for us to spread love through these simple acts of sharing and giving,” she said.
Also present to lend their support to the event were Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho and members of the university’s Executive Group.
Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho (sixth left) along with the university’s Executive Group members and visitors take a group photo at the bubur lambuk event.
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