Eco Grandeur, UiTM launch community living lab in Puncak Alam

PETALING JAYA (Aug 19): Eco Grandeur has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Selangor to establish an urban community living lab in Puncak Alam, Selangor, offering programmes in health, education, entrepreneurship and community development.

In a press release on Tuesday (Aug 18), Eco World Development Group Bhd (EcoWorld) said Eco Grandeur, which is developed by its subsidiary Paragon Pinnacle Sdn Bhd, signed the LOI on Aug 15, alongside the launch of the UiTM-Eco Grandeur Urban Community Living Lab (UCLL) at the township’s sales gallery.

Eco Grandeur will provide a 970 sq ft space at Grandeur Labs for three years, complete with furniture, fixtures and internet connectivity, and absorb the facility’s operational expenses.

The space will host programmes covering community literacy, health screening and education, nutrition education, youth entrepreneurship and student volunteerism.

According to EcoWorld, the programmes will be jointly developed by UiTM, the industry, the community and government under a “quadruple helix” approach led by iCARE UiTM Selangor.

The UCLL has also been recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education as one of its Industry on Campus programmes, the developer said.

The LOI was signed by UiTM Selangor branch rector Ahmad Taufek Abdul Rahman and EcoWorld chief development officer for Eco Central-North Datuk Ho Kwee Hong.

“Township development is not only about delivering properties, but also about building a sustainable community ecosystem,” Ho said.

“This collaboration with UiTM is a natural extension of that philosophy, and comes after several years of engagement between both parties. Through UCLL, we hope to bring the university’s knowledge, programmes and expertise closer to our residents and the wider community,” she added.

Eco Grandeur and UiTM have collaborated on community initiatives since 2018, including the Neuro Wonder Kids Festival for children with special needs, World Pharmacy Day public health activities and an exhibition featuring works by UiTM art students.

Eco Grandeur also lent buggies to transport vaccination recipients during the Covid-19 pandemic and has distributed bubur lambuk weekly at UiTM Hospital during Ramadan for the past three years.

UiTM deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs) Sazili Shahibi said the UCLL should serve as a platform connecting the university, industry and community through knowledge transfer, education, innovation, entrepreneurship and community programmes.

He also encouraged UiTM Selangor faculties to use the facility and said the collaboration could lead to further programmes and broader strategic cooperation.

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