Fostering Global Partnership: Insights from the Academic Visit to Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Indonesia

Dr Nor Muhainiah Mohd Ali

A delegation comprising of 20 students and two lecturers from the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science (FS), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) embarked on an enriching academic visit to the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Indonesia from 11 to 16 August 2024. This academic visit was organized by Applied Algebra and Analysis Group (AAAG), one of the research groups in FS, UTM. One of the purposes of this academic visit was to attend the International Seminar and Workshop on Algebra and Combinatorics: Innovations and Explorations 2024 (ISWACIE 2024), held on 13 – 14 August 2024. ISWACIE 2024 provided a platform for engaging research and exploring new developments in algebra and combinatorics. The delegation is also joined by Dr. Nur Idayu Alimon, an FS alumna, who is now a lecturer at the College of Computing, Informatics and Mathematics, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Johor Branch, Pasir Gudang Campus, Johor.

The academic visit commenced with an introductory session at FMIPA, where the delegation was warmly welcomed by Prof. Ir. Wahyu Srigutomo, the Dean of the faculty. During the session, Prof. Dr. Nor Haniza Sarmin presented an overview of UTM, and particularly the Faculty of Science, fostering goodwill and collaboration between the institutions. The day concluded with a guided tour of the campus and its facilities.

*Figure 1: Introductory and welcoming session with the Dean of FMIPA, ITB, Prof. Ir. Wahyu Srigutomo*

The second day in Bandung was dedicated to academic collaboration, as the delegation participated in the first day of ISWACIE 2024. The schedule featured keynote speeches and presentations by esteemed scholars and researchers from various institutions. Notably, Prof. Dr. Nor Haniza Sarmin and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Muhainiah Mohd Ali, lecturers from UTM; Dr. Nur Idayu Alimon (UiTM), one lecturer from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM), Iran, and two lecturers from ITB delivered insightful keynote speeches. Additionally, three PhD students from UTM, Ghazali Semil @ Ismail, Norlyda Mohamed and Nur Athirah Farhana Omar Zai, presented their research during the afternoon session in the seminar, which was also attended by participants from various universities in Indonesia. The afternoon session was also chaired by Prof. Dr. Nor Haniza and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Muhainiah from UTM.

Figure 2 & 3: Presentations from UTM delegation for the International Seminar and Workshop on Algebra and Combinatorics: Innovations and Explorations 2024

On the second day of ISWACIE 2024, the attendees actively participated in two engaging workshops. The first workshop, focused on GeoGebra, was led by Dr. Fajar Yuliawan from FMIPA, ITB. Dr. Fajar’s session offered a comprehensive exploration of GeoGebra’s applications in mathematical modeling and visualization, providing valuable insights and hands-on experience for all participants. Following this, a workshop on LaTeX was conducted by Mr. Afif Humam, also from FMIPA, ITB. Mr. Afif’s session covered essential LaTeX techniques for effective document preparation and presentation in academic writing. Both workshops were well-received and equipped attendees with practical skills and advanced tools relevant to their academic and research activities.

*Figure 4: GeoGebra Workshop by Dr. Fajar Yuliawan from FMIPA, ITB*

*Figure 5: LaTeX Workshop by Mr. Afif Humam from FMIPA, ITB*

In the evening, participants were invited to ISWACIE 2024 Dinner which featured cultural performances and a prize-giving ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions in research and presentations. During this ceremony, Nur Athirah Farhana has won the Best Presenter Award. This event not only celebrated academic achievements but also provided a memorable conclusion to the formal engagements.

*Figure 7: Nur Athirah Farhana won the Best Presenters Award*

*Figure 8: Cultural performances from UTM first year students who participated in the Academic Visit to ITB, Indonesia*

On August 15, the ISWACIE 2024 participants enjoyed a day of cultural and natural exploration in Bandung. They visited notable sites such as Tangkuban Perahu, Floating Market Lembang and Saung Angklung Udjo, immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty of the region. The day concluded with a delightful dinner at Paskal Food Market, where participants savored local cuisine and experienced the vibrant street food culture.

*Figure 10: Excursion at Floating Market Lembang*

*Figure 11: Excursion at Saung Angklung Udjo, Bandung, Indonesia*

In conclusion, the academic visit to ITB was a valuable opportunity to enrich the exchange of academic and research insights through active participation in seminars and workshops. This visit not only aimed to enhance students’ presentation and interpersonal skills through collaborative activities and discussions but also sought to foster long-term study abroad opportunities and global academic connections. Moreover, it provided valuable insights into best practices in research management and innovation from ITB, which will contribute to elevating academic performance and practices at UTM.

Prepared by,

Nur Athirah Farhana Omar Zai, Ghazali Semil @ Ismail, Assoc. Prof. Nor Muhainiah Mohd Ali and Prof. Dr. Nor Haniza Sarmin