Sabah, Malaysia | June 30-July 6, 2019

DESIGNING SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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Program Overview

This six-day, field-based program in Malaysia is designed for students and young adults passionate about social change and making a positive impact in the area of sustainable energy and social entrepreneurship. Participants spend a week in a small, rural village in Sabah, Malaysia working with course instructors and interacting with the local community to gain practical skills in designing renewable energy systems that support and facilitate community development.

Topics and Content

You will learn skills and methods in energy system design, community participation, and social entrepreneurship that will introduce you to an exciting career in extending energy access and promoting sustainable human development.

Specific topics include:

Renewable energy technology: Solar, bio-energy, micro-hydro
Energy system design: Minigrids, modeling cost and performance
Community engagement: Participatory methods and tools
Creating organizations for social change: Organizational structures, business models,

case studies, innovation and social impact
Energy access design challenges: Design your own enterprise

Activities and Outcomes

Working in small teams, you will measure renewable energy resources, interact with local families to assess energy needs, utilize the latest software tools for energy system design, and present a sustainable energy business idea to a panel of experts.

By the week’s end you will have a comprehensive picture of the knowledge and skills needed to develop an impactful energy access program. It’s also a great opportunity to meet like-minded peers, and perhaps even find partners to start a sustainable energy enterprise of your own.

Join us if you're interested to know:
How can access to modern energy services facilitate community development and improve people’s lives?
How should off-grid energy systems be designed to prioritize human development outcomes?
What organizational and business models are most effective?

Eligibility

This workshop is targeted at upper-secondary school students, university students, and recent graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in energy access and community development, or simply want to learn more about this exciting field.

You are not required to have a degree or experience in any particular discipline, as we will be creating a diverse group of participants from a variety of backgrounds. We only ask that you bring an excitement for community engagement and an enthusiasm to learn.

Applications

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 31, 2019. The latest date for notification of selected participants will be June 7, 2019.

Application timeline

May 31, 2019: Application forms will be accepted on a rolling basis until this date.
June 7, 2019: Final date for notification of selected participants.
June 18, 2019: Admitted participants requested to submit travel itineraries to courses@enactpartners.org.

For further information or inquiries, email us at courses@enactpartners.org.

Program

Please note that this schedule is subject to change, and will be updated continuously up to the program

Instructors

Dr. Scott Kennedy (Energy Action Partners)
Dr. Rusaslina Idrus (Universiti Malaya)
YB Adrian Banie Lasimbang (TONIBUNG)

David Gibbs (Brick by Brick)
Ayu Abdullah (Energy Action Partners)

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WHERE IS THE WORKSHOP LOCATED?

The workshop will be held in Kampung Buayan, a small farming village located in the forested hills on the border of the Crocker Range Park in Sabah, Malaysia. Reaching the village requires a 30-minute drive from the capital of Kota Kinabalu to the town of Donggongon, followed by a 3-hour drive on a logging track in a 4x4 vehicle. You won’t need to navigate the way yourself! We will provide transportation to and from Kota Kinabalu. (Kampung Buayan location pin)
WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

All participants and instructors will be staying in Kampung Buayan with local families. You will share a room with other participants (segregated by gender) and will be provided with a sleeping mattress, pillow and mosquito net. There will be an outhouse for bathing and toilets. While the accommodations are basic, the natural environment in the village is stunning and you won’t regret leaving the city behind for a few days.
WHAT BACKGROUND DO I NEED TO ATTEND?

We encourage participants with diverse backgrounds to attend the course. The workshop will cover topics in energy technology, energy system design, community engagement methods, business models, and human development. All you need is an open mind, to enjoy working on a team, and be ready to commit yourself to an immersive week of hands-on activities and community interaction.
WILL THIS COURSE TEACH ME EVERYTHING I NEED TO KNOW TO DESIGN AND INSTALL A RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM?

In only a week’s time, it wouldn’t be possible to become an expert in the design and delivery of a renewable energy project. Our aim is to provide a unique introduction to the sustainable energy and community development field by introducing the key building blocks of: renewable energy technology, energy system design, community engagement, and models of social enterprise; all while living and practicing what you learn in a rural, off-grid community.
WHO ELSE WILL ATTEND THE COURSE?

One of the benefits of the course is the opportunity to form close bonds with other peers with a common interest in sustainable energy. Ages of participants typically range from young adults in university to mid-career professionals, with a wide array of backgrounds from engineering to environmental sciences and business to community development. You will be heavily involved in group activities throughout the week, where diversity of perspectives and experience is highly valued.
CAN I APPLY NOW AND WITHDRAW LATER IF I CHANGE MY MIND?

**Updated** Once you’ve been admitted to the program, you will be notified on the date that your payment is due. If you make your payment and withdraw prior to May 1, you will receive a full refund of your payment. If you withdraw after May 1 and before June 2, 2017, we will refund you 50% of your fee payment. After June 2, refunds will no longer be available.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

You will not need to bring any tools or specialized equipment. We will send you a suggested packing list on appropriate clothing and basic supplies prior to your departure.
WILL I GET ANY HELP IN ARRANGING MY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA?"

While we’re happy to answer basic inquiries related to travel to Kota Kinabalu, we are unfortunately unable to assist in making international travel arrangements for participants.
WHAT TYPE OF SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE?

A limited number of partial scholarships are currently available for Malaysian participants. For non-Malaysian applicants we are happy to assist you in seeking financial support from third party sources. Depending on your location and affiliation, travel grants may be available from universities, foundations and government agencies to support your fees. Please check our Scholarship Resources section below to see if there's a scholarship listed that may apply to you.
WHAT TYPE OF FOOD WILL BE AVAILABLE?

Kampung Buayan is blessed with fertile soils and abundant fish in the local river. Your food will be supplied by your host family, which will mostly come from within and around the village. A typical meal would include rice, locally grown vegetables, and fish; all seasoned to local tastes. Please indicate any dietary restrictions in your application form and we will do our best to ensure appropriate options are available.
WILL I NEED TO SPEND MONEY WHILE STAYING IN THE VILLAGE?

No, all of your costs for food and accommodations while staying in the village, as well as two nights at a hostel in Kota Kinabalu are covered in your course fees. Some participants have purchased small handicrafts or food items from families in the village as souvenirs, but this is up to you.
DOES THE VILLAGE HAVE ELECTRICITY?

Yes, the village has electricity provided by a small micro-hydropower station that was installed by one of the course instructors. There is also a solar system that powers a telecenter and the local school. Power is also occasionally provided by portable generators. Due to the village’s remote location, there is no connection to the main utility grid.
IS THERE CELL PHONE RECEPTION IN THE VILLAGE?

Yes, there is limited cell phone coverage in the village. For international participants, there will be an opportunity to purchase a local SIM card in the city prior to arriving in the village.

DESIGNING SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS FOR ​COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT