International community program (I-SULAM) themed Sustainable Engineering in Society 5.0 held in Thailand

The international community program (I-SULAM) themed “Sustainable Engineering In Society 5.0” was successfully held on May 29, 2024, and May 30, 2024, at Azizstan Foundation School, Pattani, Thailand. This program is based on SULAM (Service-Learning Malaysia University for Society), which is an innovative teaching and learning strategy or pedagogy that integrates course learning objectives with community service, involving students interacting with the community to solve local problems using the knowledge and skills they learn in class. This program is a collaboration between ICAN College of Engineering Studies UiTM Shah Alam, HEP College of Engineering Studies UiTM Shah Alam, lecturers, and students of the College of Engineering Studies UiTM Shah Alam.

There were 5 lecturers involved in this program: Professor Ir. Dr. Mohd Fadzil Bin Arshad and Dr. Norazlan Bin Khalid from the School of Civil Engineering, Ir. Dr. Wan Norsyafizan Binti W. Muhamad from the School of Electrical Engineering, Dr. Asdarina Binti Yahya from the School of Chemical Engineering, and Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Bulan Binti Abdullah from the School of Mechanical Engineering Studies. There were also 5 students from each of the school involved as participants in this I-SULAM. The I-SULAM program aims to provide explanations and share knowledge in the field of engineering with students of Azizstan Pattani School Thailand. It can have a very good impact on students and attract students’ interest in the field of engineering. This international interaction can also strengthen relationships between different countries, Malaysia and Thailand.

This program has received a warm welcome from teachers and students of Azizstan school. The program was conducted according to groups of Azistan school students who had been divided into several groups. Each group chose one engineering specialization of interest, either civil engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, or mechanical engineering. Each school of engineering brought different project titles during the session with students at Azizstan school. Students from the School of Civil Engineering brought a project titled “Concrete Structure Integrity Assessment”. This project is a study and investigation of the integrity of concrete structures in school-owned buildings. A comprehensive explanation about the importance and methods of the study was implemented, such as visual inspection, concrete structure strength level testing (NDT Test), and data analysis. Next, students from the School of Chemical Engineering brought a project titled “Waste to Worth: Navigating Sustainability in Today’s World”.

This project is about how to turn waste disposal into something worthwhile, such as making soap from used oil and building bridges using used materials. Knowledge of chemical engineering is also used in relation to material mechanics, loading, pressure, and so on. Students from the School of Mechanical Engineering carried their project, “Renewable and Efficiency Energy”. This project explains the use of solar and air conditioning in using energy wisely. A more in-depth explanation about the advantages and disadvantages of solar was also given to Azizstan students. A practical session on how to handle and service air-conditioning was also implemented. Students from the School of Electrical Engineering presented the project “Empowering Students with IoT Driven Aquaponics System,” which is about an aquaponics project that can help communities in cultivating plants and fish even without agricultural land. This project is suitable for those who have limited agricultural land. The Azizstan school students who participated in this program were able to explore knowledge about each division of the engineering field. They also had the opportunity to conduct hands-on sessions with facilitators consisting of UiTM Shah Alam students and lecturers. There were also quiz activities provided to students to test their understanding of the engineering field. Each school of engineering studies had prepared prizes and project contributions to Azizstan school, Pattani Thailand for their willingness to receive the visit from UiTM and provide an opportunity to expand engineering knowledge to the students.

During the program, the delegation from UiTM also received a visit from the Thailand Education Department, to monitor the sharing session being conducted. This program ended successfully and had a positive impact on Azistan school students as well as students of the college of Engineering UiTM Shah Alam. There were several positive feedbacks from Azistan school students, namely that they admitted they were attracted to the field of engineering and wanted to continue their studies in engineering at the university level later and contribute to national development. They also felt excited because they could participate in an interesting program with international students. In conclusion, this program has had a very big impact on the College of Engineering UiTM Shah Alam and Azizstan Foundation School in collaborating to foster engineering knowledge and produce many graduates and students who are active in conducting international community activities.

Zero hunger: Innovation in smart solar-powered aquaponic monitoring system for the sustainable economy of B40 students at Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Jawa

In an effort to boost the economy and foster entrepreneurship among thernB40 group at Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Jawa (SKPJ), a smart solar-powered aquaponic system has been created to meet the government’s goal of doubling agricultural productivity through food production by 2030. With low incomes and rising costs of raw materials, including fish and vegetables, the B40 community at SKPJ is significantly burdened. Associate Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Suzi Seroja Sarnin, Ir. Dr. Wan Norsyafizan W. Mohamad, and final semester students from School or Electrical Engineering, UiTM, have worked together to develop this smart solar-powered aquaponic system, providing an effective solution to maintain the raw material supply chain. The headmaster of SKPJ, Mr. Salahuddin bin Nayan, along with the teachers, played a key role in the project’s success.

This innovative agricultural technique combines aquaculture with hydroponics and includes a monitoring system for water quality, fish and vegetable growth, automatic fish feeders, and water quantity control in fish tanks. Nutrient-rich water from the fish tanks is channeled to the plants and then returned to the fish tanks. The primary advantage of this system is its efficient water use, utilizing harvested rainwater and ensuring environmental sustainability. In addition to transferring agricultural technology to students, they are also trained to create platforms to market agricultural products digitally and analyze profits from the system. Aligned with the sustainability agenda and government direction, this project ensures local food security in line with Sustainable Development Goal 2, “Zero Hunger”. This smart agricultural innovation has a significant impact on income-generating opportunities and job self-sufficiency in food production, boosting the rural economy, particularly for the B40 groups.

The development of this system involves collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Fisheries in Selangor. The Fisheries Department provides fish fry as initial seeds and expertise in fish care and water quality management, while the Agriculture Department supplies vegetable seeds and hydroponic system care methods. This cooperation is essential to achieving collaborative knowledge transfer to the target group and leveraging agricultural technology expertise to drive the B40 group\’s economy.

Income generation through the aquaponic system includes three aspects: sales of aquaculture products, sales of hydroponic products, and sales of preserved fish products. Marketing of agricultural products can be done in various ways and through different channels, such as independently or through wholesalers or retailers. Hydroponic crops can be harvested once they reach the desired maturity level, typically in the fourth or fifth week, for vegetables like spinach, mustard greens, and lettuce. Aquaculture product marketing can be conducted using live sales, fresh sales, and frozen sales methods.

This project can significantly impact B40 students at SKPJ. Besides driving the economy of this group, the project provides early exposure to students to biology within the ecosystem, recognizing technology in agriculture, fish and plant cultivation methods in a closed-loop system, IoT technology, and more. The project offers students experience working on group science projects and early exposure to entrepreneurship and small-scale farming. The fish and vegetable yields can be supplied to hostels as a source of healthy and fresh food.

Moreover, the project promotes a green technology culture within the school community, as the aquaponic system produces healthy food and positively impacts the environment. Considering the government\’s goal to make Malaysia a carbon-neutral country by 2050, this project shows the university and school’s commitment to driving the nation toward food sustainability and eco-friendliness. It raises public awareness and encourages the use of green technology by incorporating solar panels as an energy source. It is hoped that such projects can be introduced to other schools, extending the objectives, benefits, and advantages to school cooperatives.

The smart aquaponic system designed at the school has great potential to contribute to the vision of zero hunger. Through this approach, the school promotes holistic education and practical basics and plays an active role in developing food sustainability within the community. The smart aquaponic system provides practical and comprehensive education about modern agriculture by learning how to plan, manage, and maintain the aquaponic system with the help of IoT technology. Thus, the smart aquaponic system at school is an investment in future education and a practical step towards achieving the goal of “zero hunger” globally. This is a tangible example of how education, technological innovation, and environmental awareness can collaborate to create positive change in our society.

‘Optical Communication in Daily Life’ talk on UFM radio

On 16 July 2024, Ir Dr. Nani Fadzlina Naim, a distinguished lecturer and researcher from the School of Electrical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia, had the opportunity to share her insights on the topic “Optical Communication in Daily Life” through a special broadcast on Universiti Teknologi MARA’s UFM radio station, which transmits on the 93.6 MHz frequency.

During the engaging one-hour session, Dr. Nani Fadzlina delved into the various applications of optical communication technology that many might encounter in their daily routines. She highlighted how optical communication, which utilizes light to transmit information, plays a crucial role in modern telecommunications, including internet connectivity, medical imaging, and advanced security systems. The talk aimed to make listeners aware of the often-overlooked technological backbone that supports many conveniences of contemporary life.

Dr. Nani Fadzlina also emphasized the importance of optical communication in the development of smart cities, where high-speed and reliable data transmission is vital for efficient management and operation. She shared insights on how this technology enhances our ability to communicate quickly and effectively, thereby impacting sectors such as education, healthcare, and transportation.

The session was skillfully moderated by DJ Fiza, who facilitated a lively discussion and ensured that complex concepts were broken down into easily understandable segments for the audience. This talk was part of UFM’s ongoing effort to bring educational content to the community, highlighting the advancements and research being conducted at UiTM. It served as a platform to bridge the gap between academia and the public, showcasing how research in electrical engineering and optical communication directly benefits society.

Exploring sustainable futures: Empowering students with IoT-driven aquaponics system for STEM enthusiasts

A community program based on Service-Learning Malaysia University to Society (SULAM) which highlights the title “Empowering School Students with Smart IoT Aquaponic System”, was successfully held on June 14, 2024, at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Pantai, Kuala Lumpur. This program is conducted in school to meet the requirements of SULAM where students need to engage directly with the community to make a meaningful and relevant contribution. The target community is among the B40 group school students of SMK Seri Pantai. In this program, facilitators from the School of Electrical Engineering (PKE), College of Engineering at UiTM introduced and taught school students about a smart aquaponic system utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

The smart aquaponic system with IoT monitoring combines fish farming and soil-less plant cultivation with advanced technology. The Internet of Things (IoT) sensors monitor crucial parameters such as temperature, PH, ammonia level, and light intensity in real time, send data to the cloud, and automatically control equipment. Users receive notifications if conditions are abnormal, and data analysis aids effective maintenance. This system enhances productivity and sustainability by optimizing resource use and reducing waste, while also supporting environmental sustainability through lower water usage and reduced carbon footprint, making it suitable for urban agriculture.

This program aims not only to impart knowledge but also to inspire school students to develop a greater interest in science and technology, especially in practical applications that can positively impact the community and the environment. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, the school students could see the significant potential of IoT technology in improving their daily lives.

This system is highly relevant and aligns with several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 2: Zero Hunger by increasing sustainable and high-quality food production. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation are achieved through efficient water recycling, reducing water usage. The system also meets SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by promoting efficient resource use and waste reduction. Lastly, it contributes to SDG 13: Climate Action by reducing the carbon footprint through the use of green technology and eco-friendly farming practices.

At the end of the program, an evaluation and reflection session are held where students share the experiences and knowledge they have gained throughout the program. The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, with many students expressing an interest in delving into STEM fields and IoT technology. UiTM also handed over a prototype of an IoT-based smart aquaponic system to the school as a sign of cooperation.

UiTM, University of the Philippines, Cambodia Safety Solution Organization join forces for workshop on road safety, gender equality

sIn a significant step towards promoting road safety and gender equality, the School of Civil Engineering at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia hosted the “Stay Safe Stay Equal Workshop.” This event was held online on Wednesday, 12 June 2024 in collaboration with the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Cambodia Safety Solution Organization (CaMSafe), bringing together experts and participants to tackle pressing issues.

The workshop featured insightful presentations by four distinguished speakers namely Assoc. Prof. Dr.-Ing Masria binti Mustafa from UiTM School of Civil Engineering, who is also the programme advisor, Prof. Ma. Sheilah G. Napalang from UP National Center for Transportation Studies, Mr. Sovann Kong, founder and advisor of CaMSafe and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sandy Mae A. Gaspay from UP Institute of Civil Engineering. The event, attended by 35 participants from the Philippines (18), Cambodia (12) and Malaysia (5), was facilitated by 22 final-year civil engineering students from UiTM. The students, led by Ahmad Imran bin Ismail, were co-advised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhafezah Kasmuri, Ms. Nor Izzah Zainuddin, Ir. Muhd Salmizi Ja’afar, and Ms. Liyana Mohd. Ramly.

The workshop coincided with significant global observances: May’s focus on road safety under the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 and June’s emphasis on gender equality, including International Women in Engineering Day (INWED). This event is part of the Ministry of Higher Education’s Service-Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM) initiative, ongoing since 2020. Previously, a series of workshops and webinars were conducted in collaboration with the Women in Transport Leadership (WiTL) network.

This year’s collaboration between UiTM, UP, and CaMSafe strategically addressed the road safety and gender inclusivity challenges faced by Malaysia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Urban areas in these countries experience significant road traffic accidents and gender-specific safety issues, making this workshop highly relevant. “Everyone in Malaysia and the ASEAN region must come together to address road accidents and promote gender equality, ensuring safer travel for women.” says Dr.-Ing Masria Mustafa.

Participants engaged in five dynamic breakout sessions designed to foster collaboration and practical solutions, including deepening understanding of road safety challenges and policy advocacy. The breakout sessions provided a platform for international community members to collaborate, share insights, and develop practical solutions aimed at improving road safety for all.

The workshop’s immediate benefits include improved road safety measures and increased awareness of gender equality in the target countries. In the long term, it aims to foster ongoing international collaboration and continuous improvements in global engineering practices. When women are involved in transportation planning and management, their needs are more likely to be considered, enhancing safety and comfort for all users, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Their involvement can ensure inclusive transportation, thereby contributing to social well-being by ensuring that all segments of society have equal access to essential facilities and services.

By focusing on these issues, the workshop contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Gender Equality (SDG 5), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).

Knowledge integration, industry networking session organised by UiTM Shah Alam, UiTM Samarahan Sarawak Branch

Professional talk – Value Management (BQS668) was held in a hybrid format on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. The Quantity Surveying Studies, School of Construction and Quantity Surveying, the College of Built Environment (CBE), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, and the UiTM Samarahan Sarawak Branch hosted this professional talk. On both campuses, 82 Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Honours) students have enrolled in the Value Management (BQS668) course.

This collaborative learning definitely seeks to expose students to the current responsibilities and obligations of quantity surveyors in the construction industry. It is believed that this professional talk will allow the invited speakers to offer their knowledge, information, and experience, thereby enhancing existing courses and preparing students for future involvement in the industry.

Industry guest speakers have been invited to this knowledge integration and networking session. Mr. Faizal Azwandy Norzaman is the Head of Quantity Surveyor at Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Department of Construction and Maintenance. He, an UiTM alumni, gave a presentation titled “Value Management Implementation for MARA’s Physical Projects”. He not only presented MARA’s experience with value management in all of their projects of RM50 million and above, but he also provided his understanding of the construction industry as a quantity surveyor, which spans over 20 years.

In his presence, the guest speaker was focused and enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge with the students. He believes that this effort would benefit society, particularly those studying at the Quantity Surveying Studies, CBE, UiTM. This hybrid collaborative learning programme has concluded successfully. It offers students and lecturers a new and more flexible option for knowledge-sharing sessions with industry professionals.

UiTMLaw Collaborates With Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad to Empower the Community with Legal Literacy

On 11 May 2024, the Faculty of Law Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTMLaw) hosted a one-day program in collaboration with Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB) aimed at fostering awareness of Islamic law application in Malaysia among secondary school students. The event welcomed 39 students from Sekolah Agama Menengah Tinggi Sultan Hisamuddin Klang, Selangor. The program, facilitated by UiTMLaw lecturers and Shariah lawyer, featured informative sessions on the application of Islamic law in Malaysia. Activities included interactive discussions, interview sessions, quizzes, and a mock trial simulating a Shariah court scenario skillfully presented by final-year UiTMLaw students.

Mohd Zikri Mohd Shairy, Senior Vice President of BIMB Group Social Finance, in officiating the program, highlighted that the initiative resonated with their social finance agenda, reflecting an investment in the intellectual development of Malaysia’s youth to foster a brighter future. The program underscores UiTMLaw’s commitment to community engagement beyond traditional classroom boundaries, showcasing its dedication to sharing knowledge and enriching local communities. The participants’ positive feedback was a testament to the program’s success, with many noting its significant contribution to their understanding of Islamic law in Malaysia and its relevance to their future academic pursuits at the tertiary level.

Courtesy Visit, Benchmarking from Bali Tourism Polytechnic to Universiti Teknologi MARA

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Pulau Pinang branch, Penang, Malaysia received a courtesy visit and benchmarking from a delegation from Bali Tourism Polytechnic (BiTP), Indonesia, on various activities. The delegates were Dr. Ida Bagus Putu Puja (Director of BiTP), Dr. Luh Yusni Wiarti (Deputy Director 3 for Cooperation), Mdm. Lukia Zuraida (Head of Quality Assurance) and Mdm. Dewa Ayu Made Lily Diana Sari (Coordinator of Tourism Destination Programme). One of the activities is benchmarking for QS ranking (Quacquarelli Symonds ranking). The main programme of benchmarking by BiTP includes discussion sessions with university management and the implementation of the QS University Ranking, QS Ranking by Subject, and other related areas. From the UiTM Pulau Pinang Branch, six members were involved, led by Professor Dr. Hashim Fadzil Ariffin (Faculty Head of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FPHP)), who was joined by Dr. Anderson Ngelambong (Head of Bachelor\’s Programme of FPHP), Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Nor Azlan Othman (Head of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (PKE)), Associate Professor Dr. Noorsuhada Md Nor (Ranking Champion), Dr. Nor Khadijah Mohd Azhari (Coordinator of the International Affairs Office) and Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Nor Salwa Damanhuri (Member for Solar Engineering). To get a clear picture of the implementation of the QS ranking, an exchange event was held on November 3, 2023, at Bilik Mesyuarat UiTM Global, UiTM Shah Alam, Selangor.

The benchmarking was officially chaired by Professor Dr. Ahmad Naqiyuddin Bakar, Director of Strategic Partnership. A lively discussion was held with the Chairman and delegates of BiTP, Indonesia, especially on QS ranking and strategic planning for the future between two universities from two countries. The Director of the Ranking Department, Ir. Dr. Amirul Abd Rashid, shared the QS ranking initiatives with all participants. He started with the organisation that produces the university ranking, the resident reviewers, the university’s strategic direction towards the ranking, the framework to improve the strategy, the Malaysia Education Blueprint, and others. The delegates were then honoured by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Internationalisation) of Professor Dr. Shahriman Zainal Abidin.

The session did not end at UiTM Global, in the afternoon, it continued with an exchange with the Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Associate Professor Dr. Norzuwana Sumarjan, and the Deputy of Academic Affairs. The session is closely related to the QS by Subject on Hospitality and Leisure Management, as the FPHP is ranked 52–100th (2023) in the global QS World University Ranking. As UiTM moves into the future, the commitment to excellence and continuous improvement remains steadfast. As benchmarking against global academic standards and striving for a higher QS ranking is an integral part of BiTP’s strategic vision, the strategic collaboration with UiTM will continue as a good partnership globally.

UiTM Organizes Skill-Based Certified Workshop in Enhancing Graduate Employability

The current demand for company priorities and jobs requirements has shifted substantially. In today’s challenging economic conditions, new graduates must possess both academic knowledge and essential soft skills to succeed in the labor market. There are increasing requirements. and most businesses value fresh graduates who have great interpersonal abilities as well as other soft skills. Besides, when it comes to career opportunities in Malaysia, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) constitute 98.5% of all businesses operate in a variety of industries. This includes commerce, manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, and many more. The present legislation, the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, do not require a person in charge of safety and health officer (SHO) for organizations with more than 500 employees, or 100 people in certain high-risk industries. However, workplace Accidents and incidents are increasing in small and medium-sized enterprises.

As a result, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in Malaysia implemented a proactive approach by introducing the Occupational Safety Health-Coordinator (OSH-C) competency to support SMEs’ capability development in the areas of occupational safety and health. This can be apparent from the OSHA (Amendment) 2022, stipulated in Section 29A (1), which mandates any employer with five or more employees to appoint an OSH-C to coordinate occupational safety and health issues at work. Indeed, to become a SHO, it is not necessary to have OSH-C certification, but it is advantageous to have the certification because it conveys basic knowledge. The fundamental knowledge of OSH-C will be easier for those who are interested in becoming SHOs. Roles for the OSH-C is to assist employers in coordinating OSH legislation and OSH programs in the place of work. According to this demand, the OSH-C must satisfy each SME.

Recognizing the significance of this, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) took the initiative to organize a training program based on competency abilities for OSH-C. Through the KPT-CAP 2.0 grant, the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, has sponsored this program and implemented it through the OSH-C training course. From March 2nd to the 8th of 2024, organized at the Dewan Anjung Pepatih, UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, Kampus Kuala Pilah has successfully hosted this seven-day course. Utechtium Sdn. Bhd. provided the training with certified trainers. A total of 30 public university alumni from diverse backgrounds attended the training. The training resulted in 30 participants obtaining a Certificate of Occupational Safety and Health Department Recognition from DOSH. The seven-day program includes ten occupational health and safety modules as well as three holistic success modules (HSM), encompassing the UiTM Intellectual Properties (IP) module.

The two modules provided the participants with a balanced exposure to both holistic and occupational safety and health skills. This aligns with the development of human capital as an OSH-C who fits the standards of today’s company. The OSH module employed during training meets the DOSH Malaysia criteria. Furthermore, prior studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the HSM. The certification obtained by participants is strongly believed to help the graduates’ employability. The coupling of these two modules aims to enhance the participants’ soft skills and interpersonal abilities. This program aligns with the Quality Education Strategic Thrusts in UiTM’s Strategic Plan 2021-2025 and contributes toward achieving the Globally Renowned, Locally Rooted by 2025 goals. The participants have the potential to become OSH-C in the future, capable of implementing routine and best practices in safety and health within their workplace.

Discovering cultural differences, bridging the gaps

As a testament to the strength of global cooperation, a delegation of seven individuals from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia’s esteemed partner university, recently embarked on a transformative journey lasting 14 days in mid-February 2024. The program offered a range of enriching experiences covering academia, community engagement, intercultural activities, and cultural immersion. Comprising two lecturers and five students, the delegation departed from KLIA airport on February 20, 2024, eagerly anticipating diverse traditions and perspectives while looking forward to engaging with counterparts at HTW Saar and beyond.

One notable highlight of their visit involved a touching community project alongside the local community at HTW Saar. This project took place at the AWO Hohenzollern Daycare Center, where the delegation interacted with local children, fostering strong bonds of affection and cultural understanding. During the project, the delegation had the opportunity to teach the children dance routines using Malaysian children’s songs and to engage in coloring activities depicting Malaysia’s iconic landmarks and buildings.

The entire program was initiated by Prof. Dr. Alexander Pöschl of HTW Saar and made possible through collaboration with and sponsorship from the Hager Group, making the company visit a must-do activity in Saarbrücken. Featuring company tours and sharing sessions between Hager personnel and Nurul Salizawatee Mahpar, an academician from FBM, the experience provided invaluable insights and knowledge.

Moreover, the delegation took advantage of the chance to introduce the diverse tapestry of Malaysian culture to students at HTW Saar, providing a glimpse into their homeland’s rich heritage and traditions. Talks regarding potential exchange programs were conducted with the International Office of HTW Saar, overseen by Doris Kollman in the presence of the esteemed Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Prof. Dr. Met Malte Beinhauer, indicating a bright future for academic cooperation and student exchange between the two institutions.

Venturing beyond the borders of Saarbrücken, the Malaysian delegation embarked on an enthralling journey for a cultural immersion experience in neighboring France and Baden-Württemberg, delving into the diverse cultural tapestry of Europe. From the picturesque streets of Paris to the historic charm of Metz and the cosmopolitan allure of Luxembourg, the delegation embraced the essence of these vibrant cities, forging connections and deepening their appreciation for cross-cultural exchange.

Remarkably, the delegation also had the privilege of gaining firsthand insights into Germany’s industrial prowess through a factory tour of the Hager Group in Blieskastel and a visit to the Völklinger Hütte Ironworks. Complemented by an intercultural workshop with employees, these experiences provided invaluable perspectives on intercultural communication and collaboration in a professional context, enhancing the delegation’s understanding of global business practices.

As the Malaysian delegation bids farewell to Saarbrücken, they leave behind a legacy of friendship, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Their visit not only strengthens the bonds between UiTM and HTW Saar but also serves as a testament to the transformative power of international cooperation in fostering mutual understanding and building bridges across continents. Most importantly, their expedition serves as an inspiring example for fellow UiTM students, showcasing the enriching encounters and meaningful relationships that await those who engage in global exchange initiatives. We extend our gratitude to each member of the delegation who played a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange and collaboration during their visit to HTW Saar in Saarbrücken, Germany.