Kota Kinabalu: What began as a simple effort to beautify a village has grown into a wider movement of community pride, environmental awareness and sustainable tourism for residents of Kg Lobong on Gaya Island.
Through Project Picasso, the Meraki Daat Sabah Initiative officially launched a vibrant community mural and upgraded volleyball court on May 4, marking a new chapter for the island village.
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The launch was officiated by Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit, reflecting strong support for grassroots-driven tourism and environmental projects .
The colourful mural, completed in April, transformed the village volleyball court into a meaningful public artwork and symbol of shared responsibility.
It was brought to life over three days by 50 volunteers, including students from the Sabah Institute of Art and Unitar Kota Kinabalu, who worked side by side with the local community .
Its design came from the winning entry of Meraki Daat’s December 2025 art competition, created by Candy Hiew, capturing the spirit, identity and environmental hopes of the village .
A day before the launch, SDA Youth led a community clean-up programme and installed signboards made from recycled materials, reinforcing the message that real beauty begins with responsibility .
Project Picasso goes far beyond paint on walls. It is designed to encourage villagers to take ownership of their environment while building long-term opportunities through eco-friendly products, local enterprise and future ecotourism potential.
Meraki Daat is also working closely with communities in Kg Torong Logong and Kg Lok Urai to strengthen village unity, promote proper waste management and prepare the areas for sustainable tourism development .
Its collaboration with the STB also includes training in tourism readiness, hospitality and product development so that local residents can actively participate in community-based tourism .
Meraki Daat charter president Michelle de la Harpe said the project started with a simple intention to beautify the village, but quickly grew into something much bigger.
“This mural is more than just art. It is a symbol of what we can achieve together.
Michelle said for Kg Lobong and Gaya Island to truly succeed as an ecotourism destination, it requires unity, ownership and pride from everyone.
