JOHOR BAHRU, 12 June 2026 – The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), successfully hosted an inbound academic mobility programme involving a delegation from the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline (FTMM), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Indonesia, from 8 to 12 June 2026. The programme brought together ten undergraduate students and two academic staff members from UNAIR, providing an immersive experience in academic learning, research collaboration, and cultural exchange at UTM.
Organized by the Faculty of Science in collaboration with UTM International, the programme was designed to expose participants to UTM’s academic and research ecosystem while strengthening strategic partnerships between the two institutions. The initiative also aimed to foster intercultural understanding, encourage academic interaction, and promote postgraduate study opportunities at UTM among international students.
The programme commenced with the arrival of the UNAIR delegation at Senai International Airport before proceeding to the Faculty of Science for an official welcoming session. The delegation was received by the Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation and Development), Faculty of Science, Assoc. Prof. Ts. ChM. Dr. Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek, and the Director of the Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (ISI-SIR), Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Safwan Abd. Aziz. The session provided participants with an overview of UTM, the Faculty of Science, and potential avenues for future academic collaboration.
On the second day, participants visited the Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano) Laboratory, where they engaged in research discussions and laboratory-sharing sessions with UTM researchers. The delegation was introduced to ongoing research activities in sustainable nanomaterials, biomedical nanotechnology, and advanced functional materials. The visit also provided opportunities for exchanging ideas on emerging research trends and potential collaborative projects between UTM and UNAIR.
The programme continued with a visit to the Laser Centre, UTM, where participants learned about advanced laser technologies, research facilities, and multidisciplinary applications in scientific and engineering research. Interactive discussions with researchers highlighted the role of advanced instrumentation in supporting innovation and high-impact research.
A key highlight of the programme was the participation of UNAIR students in a Bioorganic Chemistry class conducted by Dr. Nik Ahmad Nizam. The classroom experience allowed participants to gain first-hand exposure to UTM’s teaching and learning environment while interacting with local students. This was followed by visits to various university facilities, including the Pusat Rekreasi dan Sukan (PRZS), Sultanah Zanariah Library (PSZ), Masjid Sultan Ismail, the Chancellery Building, and the Ibnu Sina Institute, offering participants a comprehensive overview of student life and campus facilities at UTM.
Beyond academic activities, the programme also incorporated cultural and social elements to enrich the participants’ international experience. The delegation explored the city of Johor Bahru and later took part in a Cultural Night Programme held at Kolej Tun Hussein Onn (KTHO). The event featured cultural performances, networking activities, and a dinner session, providing a platform for students from Malaysia and Indonesia to share their cultures, experiences, and perspectives.
The successful implementation of this inbound programme reflects the Faculty of Science’s commitment to advancing UTM’s internationalisation agenda through academic mobility, research collaboration, and global engagement. Initiatives such as this not only enhance mutual understanding between institutions but also create valuable opportunities for future student exchanges, joint research projects, and academic partnerships between UTM and Universitas Airlangga.
As UTM continues to expand its global network, programmes like the UNAIR Inbound Mobility Programme serve as important platforms for cultivating international collaboration and preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
