A Community Development Program Framework for Higher Education Institutions in Society 5.0

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are mandated to come up with projects that empower community partners to be self-reliant for their future through collaboration. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the communities are now facing challenges, which primarily include good health, poverty, hunger, climate change, sanitation, and quality education. To solve these challenges, Society 5.0 aims to produce a better quality of life for communities by incorporating ICT frameworks and tools in social innovations. A community engagement office should be established to institutionalize the community engagements of every HEI. It shall serve as a venue for students, faculty members and administrative staff to share various resources. However, change is inevitable; a new era of society will soon rise, as mentioned, thereby causing the need for an additional significant framework. This study focuses on establishing a framework in engaging the members of a rural community and the HEIs and integrating Community Development Program (CDP) to the adopted community for “Society 5.0”. ICT Framework for Qualitative Data gathering which is Web Engineering Process Framework was utilized. In addition, Human-Centered Design (HCD), Modified Significant Stories of Change (MSSC), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Survey & Analogous Studies were also used. Respondents were volunteers who came from different HEIs. Volunteers were fulfilled, joyful, and happy after their activity in community engagement. However, they all felt that the activity was incomplete because they can do more, and they can do better.

ICT tools for Society 5.0 needs to be introduced to all volunteers for better results in community engagement. These volunteers think that if there are more resources, like knowledge, manpower, and more ICT tools, there will be a greater chance of success in engagement. To institutionalize the engagement of various stakeholders, all entities must take an active role in building not just sustainable, but resilient communities. In-depth discussion took place and DNA Community 5.0 Framework was created. To institutionalize the engagement of HEIs in the community for Society 5.0, all aforementioned entities must participate. The DNA Community 5.0 Framework must also be discussed for its significance. Society 5.0 must introduce a guide for social development. It can bring about a broad impact on societies at all levels.