By: Nurul Fatin Azlim
SERDANG, Jan 24 – Student leaders of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and graduate executives of Universitas Indonesia (UI) have organised an online international e-mobility programme participated by 24 student leaders from UPM and 20 student leaders from UI.
The programme was jointly organised by the College Representative Council, UPM Tun Dr Ismail College, UPM Faculty of Science Students’ Association and UPM Physic Student Club in collaboration with the UPM Student Representative Council (MPP) and the UI student executive body.
UPM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr. Arifin Abdu, said the programme was the core of strengthening the Malaysia-Indonesia’s ties as well as the core and strategy outlined under Student Affairs and Alumni, which is internationalisation.
“I encourage students from UPM and UI to become familiar with the specialisations offered in their respective institutions so that they can continue the mission of the mobility programme and understand it better after the COVID-19 pandemic ends,” he said.
Through the programme, he said UPM and UI students could understand the history, background, customs, and cultures of both countries.
Adviser of UPM–UI mobility programme, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yap Wing Fen, said the programme connects student leaders from both countries was organised online for the first time as it is usually held physically.
“The e-mobility programme has provided a virtual platform for student leaders from both countries to exchange ideas, experiences and opinions regarding leadership. Also included was a cross-cultural session connecting both universities,” he said.
Joint programme director, Habibuzzikri Ajeman, said the programme was switched to online mode to adapt to new norms following the pandemic, and the leadership sharing session took place successfully.
His friend, Zahin Nazrin Rosemadi, said this was the first time he learned the Indonesian ethnic dance directly from his new Indonesian friends.
“I will never forget this invaluable experience. I hope all students would continue the enthusiasm and innovate the programme so that they can gain more experience whilst in the university,” he said.
Head of Universitas Indonesia Student Executive Body (BEM UI), Leon Alvinda Putra, said the programme was the starting point of the relationship between both education institutions and hoped the ties would continue with a possibility of physical meeting in the future.
UI Deputy Rector of Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Abdul Haris, said he was impressed and appreciated the students' efforts in overcoming challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is an excellent effort. It is hoped that UPM and UI can continue this relationship and become an inspiration to many more institutions in Malaysia and Indonesia,” he said. - UPM
