JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 25 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) continues to advance its edutourism agenda by embedding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) elements into its  international mobility programs, ensuring that visiting students gain meaningful experiential learning while contributing to local communities. Recently, UTM welcomed 12 students from the Australia Universities Consortium – comprising Swinburne University of Technology, Macquarie University, Western Sydney University, University of Wollongong, Curtin University, University of Western Australia, and Griffith University – under the New Colombo Plan Mobility Program. A series of CSR activities were conducted to expose students to the diverse socio-cultural landscape of Johor while instilling values of sustainability, empathy, and global citizenship.

One of the highlights was the “Rise Up Your Cleanliness Awareness Program” at Kampung Melayu Sungai Danga, where students joined hands with the local fishing community to clean up Sungai Danga River. The activity not only cultivated environmental awareness but also allowed students to connect with villagers by experiencing local cuisines and traditions.

In another initiative, the students engaged with the Jentayu Apartment community in Kangkar Pulai through the “From Waste to Wealth” project, which showcased how residents transformed organic waste into sustainable urban farming practices. Students witnessed the process of organic farming, observed how vegetables are cultivated and sold for income generation, and later shared a meal prepared from the farm’s fresh produce together with the local community.

A similar CSR spirit was echoed in the “STEPS BEYOND HOME: Nurturing Growth Through Global Exposure” program, which brought 20 students from Universitas Ciputra Surabaya, Universitas Ciputra Makassar, and Universitas Syiah Kuala, Aceh to Johor. The program featured a community engagement project at SK Mutiara Rini, Skudai, where Indonesian students collaborated with teachers to install Smart TVs in classrooms to enhance active learning. They also worked together in repainting offices and classrooms, while enjoying lively interactions with local primary school students.

Through these CSR-driven initiatives, UTM demonstrates that edutourism is more than cultural exposure and academic enrichment – it is also about giving back to society. By engaging with diverse communities such as fishermen villages, flat housing communities, and local schools, mobility participants gain a holistic perspective of Johor’s socio-economic landscape while developing empathy, adaptability, and leadership qualities. UTM International’s emphasis on embedding CSR into mobility activities underscores the university’s commitment to producing globally-minded graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also socially responsible. These initiatives ensure that edutourism programs deliver lasting impact for both international participants and the local communities they serve.