The collaborative effort between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD), Bandung, Indonesia, highlights a strategic partnership designed to foster academic, cultural, and community engagement between the two nations. Taking place from 20th September 2024 to 25th September 2024, this enriching outreach program falls under the subject SBEA1923, led by Dr. Iziq Eafifi Ismail, course coordinator for the Outreach Program at the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), UTM. The program was co-facilitated by Associate Professor Dr. Ir. Dicky Muslim, Head of the Geological Engineering International Unit, Fakultas Teknik Geologi, and Dr. Kasno Pamungkas from UNPAD.
A Fusion of Expertise
UTM, renowned for its globally recognized excellence in engineering, science, and technology, teamed up with UNPAD, a prestigious institution in the fields of social sciences, culture, and humanities. This partnership brought together the best of both worlds, allowing the two universities to merge their strengths and share knowledge that spans across disciplines. The collaboration between architecture and geological engineering fostered an innovative platform, where technology, culture, and academia intertwined to address shared regional challenges.
Through this interdisciplinary approach, students and faculty from UTM and UNPAD explored the intersection of architectural design and geological formations, enhancing their understanding of the impact of context on built environments. This fusion of expertise not only broadened the academic perspectives of the participants but also contributed to the cultural and intellectual growth of both institutions. The collaboration demonstrates how bridging diverse academic fields can lead to creative solutions for real-world problems while simultaneously deepening cultural ties.
Benefits Beyond Academics
This collaboration goes beyond academic and institutional advancement, contributing significantly to social and cultural development by fostering workshops, knowledge exchanges, and joint research projects. These initiatives promote cultural understanding and open dialogue, leading to innovative solutions for shared challenges between Malaysia and Indonesia. Students from UTM and UNPAD benefit from exposure to diverse education systems and cultural environments, broadening their global perspectives and enhancing their competitiveness in a connected world. The program equips participants with both academic insights and cultural awareness, preparing them to navigate and address global challenges effectively.
Community Engagement and Cultural Immersion
The UTM-UNPAD Outreach Program emphasizes both academic growth and community engagement, where students actively participate in local activities and immerse themselves in the rich cultural landscape of Bandung, Indonesia. This hands-on experience provides unique opportunities to interact with local communities, understand different lifestyles, and appreciate diverse cultural practices. By merging academic knowledge with real-world exposure, students gain a broader global perspective, enhancing their problem-solving skills and cultural sensitivity. This not only deepens their academic and social understanding but also equips them with the tools needed to address the needs of diverse communities and contribute to global development.
Leadership and Organizational Team
The success of the UTM-UNPAD Outreach Program is a testament to the dedication of its strong leadership team and the students from Section 1 of the SBEA1923 Outreach Program. The committees, led by Nur Liyana FatihahLadzi, were responsible for organizing and managing various aspects of the program, ensuring its smooth execution. Their efforts reflect the collaborative spirit of the partnership between UTM and UNPAD, marking the first step toward building a stronger relationship that leverages education and community engagement to promote mutual understanding and shared development between the two institutions.
By: Ts. Dr. Shahariah Norain Shaharuddin & Dr. Iziq Eafifi Ismail