JOHOR BAHRU, May 8 – The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) and the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), successfully organized a one-month international teaching practicum program for two fourth-year education exchange students from West Visayas State University (WVSU), Philippines, who are Nessie Panada and Benjamin Copita Jr. The program took place from April 5 to May 5, 2025. Under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Zaidatun Tasir and Dr. Kew Si Na, who also served as the program organizers, the students engaged in a comprehensive academic, research, and cultural immersion experience that significantly contributed to their teaching professionalism development.
Upon arrival, the students were warmly welcomed by their UTM buddies: Chan Chen Hoe, Guo Anqi, and Fan Shu Ying, led by Loh Khai Xian. Their practicum was formally launched on April 8 during an opening ceremony, and the event featured welcome addresses by Prof. Dr. Noraffandy Yahaya, Dean of FEST; Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; and Dr. Rosario Clarabel C. Contreras, Campus Administrator, WVSU-Calinog Campus.
Throughout their stay, the students participated in various academic activities that broadened their understanding of Malaysia’s educational landscape. On April 9, they explored the UTM campus, gaining insights into its modern facilities and dynamic learning spaces. Their academic engagements formally began on April 14 when they joined Dr. Kew’s teaching class, where they shared aspects of Philippine culture and learned how to design teaching and learning materials using technological tools for English language activities. They also observed Prof. Dr. Zaidatun’s animation class and participated in group discussions with the classmates.
In addition, the students visited the Centre for Engineering Education (CEE) to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) research and toured several educational institutions, including IDRISSI International School, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Seri Kota Puteri 2, and Paragon Private and International School. These visits provided valuable exposure to diverse pedagogical settings and teaching methodologies. On April 30, they visited the Akademi Tamadun Islam (ATI), where they engaged in meaningful discussions on Islamic civilization. On May 2, they also had a visit to the KLC Language Centre, where they toured the facility and exchanged insights on the educational systems of Malaysia and the Philippines.
Moreover, cultural immersion was an integral part of their practicum. On April 13, they attended the Malam Kebudayaan Pesta Tanglung Festival, a vibrant celebration of Malaysia’s multicultural identity. On April 16, they participated in the Malaysian Cultural Showcase organized by FEST, where they experienced traditional games, attire, and musical instruments. The following day, they toured Yayasan Warisan Johor, gaining a deeper appreciation for Malaysia’s historical and artistic heritage. Also, they performed Filipino cultural dances, including a Philippine folk dance and the Binanog, which is an ethnic dance of the Panay Bukidnon Halawodnon people, during the LA Postgraduate Meet & Greet, promoting international camaraderie. Other cultural highlights included joining the Majlis Raya Serumpun Akademi Bahasa 2025 celebration at White Hall Event Space, organized by LA.
The practicum culminated on May 2 with the closing ceremony of the international teaching practicum and Academic Experience Sharing Session by Mentors and Mentees at FSSH. Prof. Dr. Arieff Salleh Rosman, Dean of FSSH, delivered a heartfelt closing speech, commending the commitment and accomplishments of the participants throughout the one-month exchange. This hybrid closing ceremony was attended by nearly 100 participants, including UTM and WVSU faculty, as well as key officials such as Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, Asst. Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, and Dr. Rosario Clarabel C. Contreras, among others.
The exchange students learned the importance of designing lessons with real-life applications and deepened their appreciation for scholarly inquiry. They also recognized the value of fostering classroom diversity, encouraging collaboration, and maintaining a positive mindset to improve learning and productivity. Culturally, the exchange students immersed themselves in Malaysian traditions and multicultural celebrations, learning to embrace diversity and respect different worldviews. These experiences also helped them improve their public speaking skills and build confidence in teaching. Ultimately, the exchange program strengthened the collaboration between UTM and WVSU. Lastly, the program organizers expressed their gratitude to all committee members for their dedication, to WVSU for their participation, to the educational institutions for their warm welcome, and to FEST, FSSH, UTM International, the UTM Residential Unit, and all others involved for their continuous support.
By Kew Si Na and Siti Khadijah Abdul Wahab