UiTM Sarawak Students Blend Adventure and Learning in ‘Picture Perfect’ Project

The theme ‘Nature Meets Modernity’ was the highlight of the ‘Picture Perfect’ programme undertaken by the Diploma in Hotel and Tourism Management students of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak Campus. This exciting event took place at Samajaya Nature Reserve.

According to Nuraini Putit, the lecturer-in-charge and project advisor, this activity represented a mandatory assignment for Semester 3 students enrolled in the HTT 262 Event Planning Management course. She noted that this project constitutes 50 percent of the overall assessment for the semester.

Project Overview

Nuraini explained that the HM1113B project is conducted annually, but the theme is determined by the students based on the specifics provided in the first week of class. After presenting their proposals, one is selected that aligns with the syllabus criteria.

Students plan every aspect of the event, from A to Z—which includes working papers, budgeting, collaborations, and sourcing supplies. As the project advisor, Nuraini evaluates the progress from the brainstorming phase to the event execution and the post-event review.

A total of 39 students participated, forming 13 groups of three. The project was coordinated by the leader, Dawien Kahtigalis Daniel Deri, and his assistant, Nurul Asyiqin Zeffri.

The participants began with a briefing on photography fundamentals, led by Garry Brandah, a member of the Royal Photographic Society. Dawien shared, “Picture Perfect was my proposal, inspired by a game I played that involved treasure hunting.”

Event Details

Dawien continued, “I thought: ‘Why don’t we find things to photograph?’ After drafting the proposal and presenting it to the class, it was ultimately chosen for the project.”

Nurul Asyiqin was responsible for managing the event’s venue. She recalled, “Initially, we suggested Friendship Park, but our lecturer said it didn’t fit the theme, as it was mostly man-made.” Instead, they opted for Samajaya Nature Reserve, which was conveniently close to the campus.

Nuraini goes over the programme with Dawien (left) and Nurul Asyiqin.

Describing the ‘Picture Perfect’ event, Nurul Asyiqin mentioned that it not only met their assignment requirements but also incorporated elements of nature knowledge and treasure-hunting. The organizing committee set up 10 stop-points for the teams, each with a riddle to solve.

For instance, one riddle stated: ‘My house is myself,’ with the answer being a turtle. Each team took photos of their discoveries to collect ‘coins’ that would increase their chances of winning prizes.

Learning Experience

Nurul Asyiqin regarded the organizing aspect of the project as “a very enriching experience” for her and her classmates. “We learned a lot about managing an event, from confirming the venue to outlining the programme,” she noted.

Dawien added that they not only gained skills relevant to their studies but also learned to think quickly and make decisions in response to challenges.

When asked about future plans, Dawien expressed interest in pursuing a degree, while Nurul Asyiqin aimed to gain immediate work experience in the events sector.

The participants gather for a group photo.

Returning to the project, Nuraini emphasized that while fulfilling their assignments, her students also learned about entrepreneurship and self-reliance. She remarked, “I want them to understand that organizing and managing an event is not easy.”

She believes the ‘Picture Perfect’ project has provided valuable insights into the industry related to their studies, while also teaching them the importance of networking. “I am proud that my students managed to fundraise for the project through bake sales and sponsorships,” she concluded.

Danny H

Danny H is a real estate negotiator in Miri, specializing in residential and commercial properties. He provides trusted guidance, updated listings, and professional support through MiriProperty.com.my to help clients make confident property decisions.