JOHOR BAHRU, Dec. 6 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) successfully conducted a week-long inbound mobility programme that brought together international participants for an immersive academic, cultural, and professional learning experience. The programme, coordinated by TPr Ts. Dr Gobi Krishna Sinniah, Advisor of Persatuan Mahasiswa Hindu (PMH), with his 30 PMH members playing a key role in collating activities and organising major student-engagement components such as Cultural Night, was supported by UTM International Office and Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU). Across the six days, students gained rich exposure to Malaysia’s architectural heritage, urban development, creative industry, sustainability concepts, and campus life.
The programme commenced on 1 December 2025 with an official visit and briefing by representatives from the National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM), namely Punithavalli Marimuthu, Manager of the Project Management Department, and Dr Seetha Jaganathan King, Director of Agro-Biotechnology, together with Sangeetha Balachanthra, Senior Assistant Secretary from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM). This was followed by the first academic activity, an Urban Appraisal session covering Dataran Merdeka, Masjid Negara, and the River of Life. Participants also explored Transit-Oriented Development nodes such as KL Sentral and Brickfields, followed by a cultural immersion at Petaling Street.
Day 2 began at UTM Kuala Lumpur, where students were welcomed by Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan and Ts. Dr. Pramila Tamunaidu. Students were engaged in design-based learning. Students were also able to visit the Algae Lab, briefed by Dr Koji Iwamoto. Visits to KLCC and the Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station provided architectural insight into Malaysia’s historical landmarks.
On 3 December, they experienced a comprehensive campus tour and took part in Workshop 2: FABU Architect Club Design Challenge, fostering collaboration between UTM and Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (SIST) students. Academic exchange was further strengthened through student presentations between both institutions.
The fourth day centred on academic exchange through Lecture Series 1 and 2 at the FABU and SIST, covering themes in contemporary architecture and design practice. Students later presented their work in a collaborative session between UTM and SIST. The evening showcased one of the highlights of the entire programme: Cultural Night, organised and managed by PMH, which brought together performances, cultural exhibitions, and interactive activities. This event fostered strong cross-cultural bonding and provided the visiting students with an authentic Malaysian cultural experience.
On 5th December, in Workshop 3, students participated in an engaging puzzle challenge at the Centre for the Study of Built Environment in the Malay World (KALAM) Gallery, designed to enhance teamwork, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking. Participants explored Forest City’s innovative development model and gained insights into sustainable industry practices. A visit to Johor Bahru’s Heritage District allowed students to appreciate local culture, architecture, and community heritage.
The programme concluded with a full-day excursion to Melaka, where students visited the Melaka United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Heritage Site, offering them a deep understanding of Malaysia’s multicultural history and architectural evolution.
Overall, the programme successfully integrated academic enrichment, industry exposure, and cultural exchange.
The initiative marks another milestone in UTM’s commitment to fostering global collaboration, cross-cultural learning, and meaningful academic exchange, contributing to the university’s mission of shaping globally aware and socially responsible graduates.
