Working with communities always brings a special sense of warmth, but there was something uniquely heartening about the community in Kiulu. Over the past nine months, through a project funded by Yayasan MySDG, I have had the privilege of leading the initiative in Kampung Ratau and Kampung Talantang. Our mission was to strengthen community resilience by promoting sustainable livelihoods through tourism, while honouring the local culture and environment.

What began as a professional task soon evolved into a transformative personal journey filled with mutual learning, collaboration, and the joy of shared growth. At the outset, I wasn’t sure if I was the right person to lead this project. I hesitated, partly because I had no prior experience in the tourism field. But then I remembered how I once stepped into a Monitoring & Evaluation role with the same uncertainty and still found my footing. What held me back wasn’t a lack of ability; it was self-doubt.

From our very first session with the community, that doubt began to melt away. I was reminded of how often we underestimate people’s openness and generosity. The villagers came with curiosity, excitement, and a genuine eagerness to learn and contribute. Their willingness to step forward with open hearts and hopeful minds reminded me that transformation often begins when people are simply given space to participate, to contribute, and to believe in what’s possible.

I was also blessed to work alongside two incredible teammates. We were jokingly dubbed the Powerpuff Girls, and the nickname stuck. It became more than an inside joke as it came to symbolise the different strengths each of us brought to the project. Like the cartoon trio, each of us had our own “superpower”, and together we formed a team that balanced and uplifted one another in every way. As much as we were supporting the community, we were also learning to support and grow with one another. There were long days, small hiccups, and moments of doubt, but also plenty of laughter, encouragement, and shared joy.

One of the most moving aspects of this journey was witnessing the community come together not just as individuals but as families. During the workshops and training sessions, husbands and wives, parents and children, young people and elders all took part. Children would quietly draw in the corners while their parents engaged in discussions. Generations sat side by side, listening and learning together. It created a warm, communal atmosphere, a true reflection of the kampung spirit.

This journey wasn’t just about delivering a project. It was about building relationships, fostering conversations, and learning from one another. You could feel that sense of connection in every moment, the same kind I remember from my own roots, where everyone is linked in some way.

The Capacity Building Programme provided participants with essential skills in sustainable tourism practices, equipping them to enhance their local tourism offerings while ensuring alignment with ASEAN CBT Standards. These standards emphasise sustainability, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Yet beyond the technical training, what truly stood out was the personal growth experienced by everyone involved. The sense of ownership and newfound confidence became the most meaningful outcome of all.

In parallel with the tourism training, farming initiatives were introduced to support food security. Many participants shared how these efforts had reduced their reliance on purchasing vegetables from outside sources, as they could now harvest directly from their own plots.

As the community grew, I found myself growing too, not just professionally but personally. I learned to lead with empathy, to listen more deeply, and to appreciate the quiet moments where true transformation begins. I’ve come to understand that meaningful work is not always found in the pages of a final report, but in the relationships we build, the trust we earn, and the lives we walk alongside.

Here’s to community-led change, grounded in respect, powered by people, and driven by purpose.