The Faculty of Business and Management (FBM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia has taken a vibrant leap into global collaboration and community service development through two initiatives: (1) a community service project with local entrepreneurs in Setu Babakan and (2) university partner program with Universitas Pancasila, Indonesia. These programs are significant for boosting academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and community engagement, enabling a dynamic and enriching experience for everyone involved.
37 enthusiastic students of the International Business program (BA246) from UiTM Puncak Alam campus and one advising lecturer have embarked on an International Academic Visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, where they participated in a community service project facilitating the local entrepreneurs in Setu Babakan. This isn't just about theory, students got hands-on and real-life experience in providing mentorship to local entrepreneurs. UiTM via its students is proving that community service or social responsibility and sustainable development are actions, not only words.
The collaboration between the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Pancasila,FBM, UiTM and local entrepreneurs in Setu Babakan, Jakarta is a prime illustration of the wonders that could arise from scholarly interactions. Beyond meeting academic goals, these programs focus on professional skill development, personal and cultural immersion, and practical application beyond theoretical knowledge. For all those participating, the process had a profound effect and was both enjoyable and enlightening. It also manifested a strong commitment to giving back to society by overcoming language barriers, developing shared materials, or simply sharing expertise.
Despite the challenges faced, however, dynamic engagement is what truly connects people. Intending to facilitate local entrepreneurs with digital marketing content development, the highlight of this adventure was creating videos for the local entrepreneurs' products. Students having fun, found themselves cooking up something delicious, while others sought out a portable ice cream cart to grab the perfect shots. This real-life experience was found to be fun, engaging, and unforgettable. All the videos can be found on TikTok via @indoboundcsr.
Another collaborativer initiative is the university partnership program, proof has significantly raised the bar for cross-cultural and intellectual cooperation. Students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of cross-cultural contexts as part of this initiative, which aims to promote intercultural understanding. This engagement not only extended the perspectives but also provided them with the necessary skills to manage in multicultural environments.
These global engagement projects are more than just resume-boosting but are life-changing adventures. The lively engagement between academia and the community demonstrates how incredible potential has been created via these initiatives. As the UiTM delegation bids farewell to Universitas Pancasila and the local entrepreneurs at Setu Babakan, they leave behind a legacy of friendship, collaboration, and cultural exchange. It also strengthened the ties between UiTM and Universitas Pancasila to manifest the power of international collaboration in fostering mutual understanding and building bridges within the region. Most importantly, this program has an inspiring example for fellow UiTM students, showcasing the enriching encounters and meaningful relationships that await those who engage in global/regional initiatives.
