a. The primary goal of this project was to support the community of Kg Kiau Nuluh in gaining access to reliable and clean water. Our objective was to improve the quality of life for local residents by reducing water-related challenges and ensuring a sustainable supply of this essential resource.

b. The project was made possible through fundraising efforts on the MyStarfish Foundation platform, which enabled us to achieve the target budget required for implementation. In addition, KHIND Company generously sponsored RM5,000.00 after the fundraising campaign was completed. These contributions were crucial in covering both essential project expenses and unforeseen costs during execution.

c. The project was implemented in close collaboration with the community of Kg Kiau Nuluh, focusing on providing an excellent water gravity system to supply more clean water throughout specific areas of the village. Our team visited the site for almost five times to ensure that all technical and community needs were properly addressed, from planning to installation and final adjustments. Active involvement of villagers played an important role in identifying water distribution points, assisting with on-ground work, and ensuring the long-term use of the system.

d. Several challenges were faced during the project implementation. Firstly, the fundraising process came with budget constraints and a strict due date, which made financial planning more challenging. Secondly, the project site was very far from the city, and reaching the new tank placement area required an estimated of 1 km hike to the reservoir water tank at Lamai which physically demanding task for the team and villagers. In addition, purchasing the wrong materials at one stage caused delays, as the lack of free time to frequently travel back and forth to the site made it harder to make corrections quickly. Despite these obstacles, the commitment of both the project team and the local community ensured successful completion.

The project successfully improved water access for the villagers, with strong participation from the community. The community-driven approach worked especially well, as it created a sense of ownership among residents and increased their willingness to sustain the project. However, the limitations of budget and transportation highlighted the need for more detailed planning and additional partnerships for future initiatives.

e. There is no language barrier as we all speak the same language which is Sabahan even though some of our group members were from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, they also can understand what the villagers say.

f. At the beginning, our plan was to purchase about 10 smaller water tanks for distribution. However, after surveying several hardware stores, we were advised to invest in larger-capacity tanks instead. This option proved to be more efficient as it allowed us to collect and store more water directly from the catchment area, without the need to connect multiple smaller tanks. Initially, we intended to place 5 tanks at the Lamai reservoir and another 5 at the water catchment area. However, during implementation, we found that there was no need to install tanks at the catchment site since the villagers had already upgraded and improved the water system there.

g. This project directly benefited three villages: Kiau Nuluh, Taburi, and Bersatu. Families, schoolchildren, and elderly residents from these villages are now able to enjoy better access to clean water. Indirectly, the project also improved the overall well-being of the wider community by promoting better health, saving time in water collection, and supporting household and daily needs.

h. The impact of this project goes beyond simply providing clean water — it creates a foundation for health, empowerment, and resilience within the community. With the new water gravity system, residents of Kiau Nuluh, Taburi, and Bersatu no longer have to struggle daily to access reliable water, freeing up time for education, livelihood activities, and family life. To ensure sustainability, local villagers were actively involved in the construction process and trained to carry out basic maintenance and repairs, giving them the skills and ownership to manage the system independently. This approach not only strengthens community responsibility but also reduces reliance on external assistance. The project has also inspired stronger collaboration between community leaders, NGOs, and corporate sponsors. This creates an opportunity for future partnerships and scaling similar initiatives to other underserved villages in the region. By proving that grassroots participation and external support can work hand in hand, the project has laid a model for sustainable rural water management. In the long term, the availability of clean and safe water will contribute to better health outcomes, improved economic productivity, and greater community well-being, ensuring that the positive impact continues for years to come.

a. i) In the short term, our project contributes to happiness by reducing the daily struggles of the people in Kiau Nuluh, Taburi, and Bersatu. Before this initiative, families had to walk long distances and spend valuable time fetching water, which caused fatigue and stress. By providing a reliable clean water supply through the gravity system, the project has immediately eased these burdens. The happiness comes not only from the convenience of having water closer to their homes but also from the sense of relief that their children and elderly no longer face such difficulties.

In the long term, the project will continue to nurture happiness by enabling healthier and more fulfilling lives. With access to clean water, the community will face fewer waterborne illnesses, leading to better physical well-being and peace of mind. Additionally, the time once spent collecting water can now be redirected to education, work, or family bonding, creating opportunities for growth and prosperity. The project also strengthens the social fabric of the villages, as collaboration and shared responsibility foster unity and collective pride. True happiness here is not just about having clean water — it is about gaining dignity, security, and hope for the future. 

ii) This project has deeply changed the way I think about the world. It reminded me that something as basic as clean water which many of us take for granted can be life-changing for others. Seeing firsthand the challenges faced by rural communities taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and resilience. It opened my eyes to how interconnected our lives are: when we help others meet their basic needs, we empower them to live healthier, happier, and more meaningful lives.

Personally, the journey of working on this project has transformed me. The fundraising challenges, the physical difficulties of hiking to the water catchment area, and the setbacks with materials tested our determination and problem-solving skills. However, seeing the gratitude and joy on the faces of the villagers made every challenge worth it. We have learned that real change requires both persistence and collaboration, and that even small contributions can create a big ripple effect in the lives of others. This experience has inspired us to continue seeking opportunities to serve communities, and it has strengthened our belief that projects driven by compassion and cooperation can truly make the world a better place.

b. “Persistence and teamwork can overcome any challenges in life if we put a 100% effort into it.” -Harun Din