The Impact of Localising Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Selected Sabah Parliamentary Constituencies Through Service-Learning Concept

Abstract

This article presents the impact evaluationof the Solution Providers Project, a flagship program of The All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia –Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG) on Civil Society Organization (CSO) Alliance, aimed at reducing inequalities in selected constituencies in Sabah, Malaysia. Focusing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the lens of impact evaluator, this study adoptsa service-learningconceptual framework and amix-method research design, combining qualitative approaches (evaluator observation, focus group discussions) with numerical assessments on 15 selected constituencies.Findings revealthat while solution providers express over-optimism about reported projects, beneficiaries encounter diverse challenges in experiencing the intended impact. Data from focus group discussions highlights both success stories and obstacles, showcasing skill acquisition through hands-on experiences. However, beneficiaries’ understanding on SDGs is still at a mediocre level, despite emphasis during planning and execution.Overall, the findings from this impact evaluation can be instrumental in informingdecision-making, improvingprogram design, and shedding light on specific policy areas, particularly in reducing multidimensional inequality such as income, consumption inequality and the quality of digital education in the Sabah region.