KOTA TINGGI, May 13 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST), further strengthened its commitment towards internationalisation, community empowerment, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the successful implementation of the International Community-Based Learning (ICBL) 2026 programme in collaboration with Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) and the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) communities in Gugusan Adela, Kota Tinggi, Johor.

The programme also highlighted UNESA’s growing international presence and commitment towards the SDGs through the deployment of its Thematic Real Work Lecture (Kuliah Kerja Nyata Tematik – KKNT) delegation to Malaysia. Held from 27 April to 13 May 2026, the programme involved 15 selected UNESA students participating in cross-border community engagement activities through a strategic partnership with UTM. The initiative directly supports SDG 17, which focuses on Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development.

The UNESA delegation was officially dispatched by the Academic Mobility Team under the Directorate of Education and Learning Transformation (DPTP). Participating students represented diverse academic disciplines, enabling multidimensional collaboration and impactful solutions for the local community while reflecting the spirit of SDG 4 on inclusive and equitable Quality Education.

The programme was jointly coordinated by Shahrin Hashim, a Senior Lecturer at FEST UTM, together with a multidisciplinary UTM team comprising Assoc. Prof. Dr. M Al-Muz-Zammil Yasin, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Rustam Mohd Rameli, Dr. Wimbi Apriwanda Nursiwan, Dr. Norliza Mohamad, Dr. Nurul Sahadila Abd. Rani, Dr. Ariff Hidayat Osman, Dr. Evarina Amiron, Dr. Najua Syuhada Ahmad Alhassora, Dr. Mohammad Faiz Ikhlas, and Dr. Mohd Syahidan Zainal Abidin.

The programme also involved collaboration with representatives from the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), namely Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Hisyam Rasidi and Anisham Mohd Dom.

Throughout the programme, UTM was involved in facilitating experiential learning, coordinating community engagement activities, and strengthening collaboration between academic institutions and the local FELDA community. UTM lecturers worked closely with UNESA students in implementing educational programmes, environmental sustainability initiatives, entrepreneurship activities, cultural exchange sessions, and public health awareness campaigns.

Among the major activities conducted were environmental greening projects, community health screenings, educational workshops in local schools, entrepreneurship seminars, cultural exchange programmes, and community sports activities aimed at strengthening social cohesion between Malaysian and Indonesian participants.

At Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) FELDA Adela, UTM lecturers and UNESA students jointly conducted literacy, geography, and healthy living awareness programmes for schoolchildren. Cultural exchange activities further enriched students’ understanding of regional cultural diversity and environmental responsibility.

According to Shahrin Hashim, the programme reflects UTM’s aspiration to strengthen international collaboration and meaningful community engagement that directly benefits society while enhancing students’ global competencies and intercultural understanding.

The programme also received positive feedback from local leaders and residents. Nazarith Sofia, Community Development Officer of the FELDA village, expressed appreciation for the active involvement of both UTM lecturers and UNESA students and staff in supporting social and educational development within the community.

Meanwhile, Head of UNESA’s KKN Division, Dr. Supriyanto, described the programme as a concrete initiative in preparing globally minded students capable of contributing to international development agendas through community-based learning and cross-border collaboration.

Overall, the International Community-Based Learning programme demonstrated the strong commitment of both UTM and UNESA towards advancing regional cooperation, sustainable development, and impactful international collaboration. Beyond benefiting the local community, the programme also served as a meaningful platform for intercultural learning, academic networking, and long-term partnership development between Malaysia and Indonesia.