AN innovative and creative group of youths from Sibu firmly believe that one man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure.They have adopted this philosophy to produce practical and decorative items from materials such as unevenly-cut wood and discarded metal pieces that factories around Sibu have rejected and thrown away.

 

Sibu Team is one of the groups under the Youths Engaged in Social Innovation, Service, Education and Enterprise (YES I SEE) project, which is organised by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak.

Its representative, Mohammad Tajuddin Yusop, 22, explained that the group’s focus is to collect as much used materials — such as wood and metal — as possible so that these can be cleaned and refined for making products like handicrafts and ornaments.

“We always complain about our mounting refuse and yet do little to lessen the volume. Therefore, why not turn them into something that we can use again. Not only are we helping to create profit, but are also helping the environment,” he said.

Tajuddin added that although there may be others who have done so, this kind of innovative approach has yet to be seen in Sibu.

Art students have done this as part of their assignments and projects in local universities and colleges, he said, but not many actually see the potential benefits that this idea can actually bring to the local people.

“We see these kinds of things all the time especially in our local creative institutions, but has anyone realised what potential this has, especially when we invite our locals to participate?” said Tajuddin.

Azam believes the YES I SEE project is a way to provide youths the opportunity to think of how they can benefit the state.

Thus, Sibu Team explained that everyone can participate in this fun and innovative project because it relies simply on creativity and therefore is one way that will help locals generate income not only for themselves but also for Sarawak.

“As a matter of fact, everyone can contribute their creativity and effort in this. No one is left behind. For as long as you have the ability to think creatively, which I believe everyone has, you can be sure that this will be a fun way to generate income,” said Tajuddin.’

The group has faced some difficulties such as sorting out the materials that are safe for use.

There are also times when the materials have to be manipulated by force, requiring appropriate tools.

Despite all the hindrances, the group believes if they work hard as a team and give their best, they can pull through.

“I believe it is our determination and teamwork that will bring us through all our difficulties. If everyone in the team has good commitment and cooperation, this project will definitely be well done and successful,” he said.

The project has definitely attracted others and some have even offered to help out.

The members feel they have learned a great deal from the project because it has not only taught them to think analytically and critically, but has also helped them become more mature and independent in doing things and in making decisions.

“My team-mates and I are very grateful that we joined the YES I SEE project. It has allowed us to not only express our inner creativity and innovativeness, but it has also helped us to realize that nothing is impossible if only you would lift a finger to do it.

 

“Other than that, we are also overjoyed by the fact that we are not only doing something to help ourselves but also bringing benefits to the state of Sarawak,” said Tajuddin.

SUCCESS MEAN SAGACITY (SIBU)