Following the success of The NEED Project community engagement programme at SK Tunku Laksamana last month, the Albukhary International University (AIU) Library has taken another step forward in its mission to nurture young learners, strengthen school libraries, and empower student leaders to play an active role in promoting the culture of reading.
On 28 September 2025, the AIU Library team revisited SK Tunku Laksamana to deliver a specially prepared bookshelf and a fresh collection of donated books. These resources were curated to enrich the school’s resource centre, while also supporting the development of the library prefects who serve as young custodians of knowledge for their peers. By encouraging these student leaders to take ownership of the management and promotion of their school library, the initiative aims to build responsibility, confidence, and pride in their roles.
The commitment did not end there. On 29 September 2025, the AIU Library extended the outreach to PPKI & SMK Kepala Batas, delivering another bookshelf and book collection to support both general students and special needs learners. The visit went beyond donations—it also served as a platform for discussion with school representatives about future engagement activities under The NEED Project. Among the ideas explored were training workshops for student librarians, storytelling and literacy sessions, as well as leadership-building activities designed to give students greater exposure and new avenues for growth.
Chief Librarian Ms. Syuhada shared the long-term vision of the project:
“The NEED Project is not a one-off initiative, but a continuous programme designed to nurture, empower, educate, and develop students through long-term collaboration with schools and communities. We see libraries not only as spaces for reading, but as platforms to shape leaders, build character, and inspire lifelong learning.”
This holistic approach reflects AIU Library’s role as more than a campus facility. Positioned as a Centre of Reference, the library has consistently sought to bridge academia and community, ensuring that its impact reaches beyond university boundaries. By providing access to resources, fostering inclusivity, and creating opportunities for engagement, the AIU Library is helping to build a sustainable reading ecosystem that benefits schools, students, and the broader society.
Through The NEED Project, AIU reaffirms its dedication to community empowerment—ensuring that knowledge is shared, opportunities are created, and young leaders are equipped with the skills and values needed to inspire others. With each bookshelf delivered and every partnership formed, the university’s vision of education as a catalyst for transformation becomes more deeply rooted in the communities it serves.
