BATU FERINGGHI, Sept 5 – A total of 46 students of the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (Hons), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) from Year 1 and Year 3, participated in a series of experiential learning activities on 2-5 September 2025 under the subject SBEA2913 Outreach for Semester 3 Session 2024/2025, supervised by Dr. Azalillah Ramdani Musa. This Programme is a comprehensive, student-led initiative designed to enhance architectural education through practical, community-oriented experiences. The programme aligned closely with the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of SBEA2913, emphasizing learning beyond the classroom, leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and social responsibility. The Bachelor of Science in Architecture (Hons) students at UTM gain hands-on experience, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and contribute to society through high-impact outreach programs, enhancing their academic learning and making meaningful contributions to local communities.

This initiative represents UTM’s commitment to nurturing graduates who embody strong academic knowledge, community engagement, and holistic student attributes. Through this method of learning beyond the classroom, students of the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (Hons), UTM had the opportunity to strengthen their soft skills, develop leadership qualities, and cultivate teamwork while creating a visible impact on both the local community and collaborating institutions. Aligned with the CLO’s the program aims to enhance students’ soft skills, leadership, teamwork, provide experiential learning, engage with the local community, and raise awareness of environmental, cultural, and heritage values.

One of the key programs was Coastal Cleanup at Pantai Batu Feringghi, where students collaborated with City Council of Penang Island (MBPP), State Assembly (DUN) Tanjung Bungah, Village Community Management Council (MPKK) of Sungai Emas, and MPKK Batu Feringghi. This initiative was also listed under the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) program. Within one hour, students and local communities successfully collected 100 kilograms of rubbish, supported by MBPP, which provided gloves, waste bags, pickers, rattan baskets, and a rubbish truck. The program not only fostered environmental awareness but also allowed students to experience meaningful collaboration with authorities and community leaders. The program was officiated by the Director of Municipal Services of the Penang City Council, Rashidah Jalaludin.

Another high-impact initiative was the Mentor-Mentee Program, a knowledge-transfer collaboration between students of the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (Hons), UTM and Diploma in Architecture students from Institut Kemahiran MARA (IKM), Sungai Petani. The Mentor-Mentee Program is a student-led initiative at IKM Sungai Petani, focusing on joint site analysis. It fosters knowledge transfer and experiential learning, with Year 3 UTM students acting as mentors. The program enhances teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, and provides seminars and talks to enhance learning outcomes. This initiative continued with a knowledge-sharing session titled “From Site to Design”, featuring speakers Ts. Khairul Anuar Nor Ahmad, Ts. Nur Haslinda Samsudin, Dr. Azalillah Ramdani Musa, and moderated by Muhammad Siddiqi Jamalludin. Such collaborations demonstrate UTM’s leadership in shaping future-ready graduates while building networks with academic partners.

The students also engaged in an Urban Sketching program in Georgetown, where they observed and documented architectural details, spatial qualities, and cultural elements of the city through on-site sketching. This activity sharpened their ability to translate visual experience into design thinking, enhancing observation skills, hand-sketch techniques, and appreciation of Penang’s rich urban fabric.

In addition, a Heritage Walk and Technical Visit was conducted in collaboration with Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) through the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR) educational initiative. Students explored the intersection of heritage, ecology, and sustainable tourism, gaining first-hand insights into conservation practices and the importance of integrating environmental awareness into architectural education.

Collectively, these programs exemplify how experiential learning can bridge academia with society, positioning UTM not only as a center of knowledge but also as an institution that actively contributes to community well-being and environmental stewardship.

“For architecture students, travel is learning. The world itself becomes the classroom, where every detail — from walls to tiles — reveals that design is not only drawn but lived.”