SURABAYA, June 13 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) continues to strengthen its international engagement through strategic collaboration with Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Indonesia, following the successful implementation of the Global Community Outreach Programme 2026 held in Surabaya and Lamongan, East Java, from 7 to 13 June 2026.

The programme was a direct outcome of the growing partnership between UTM and ITS, facilitated through the UTM Innovation and Commercialisation Centre (ICC). Building upon earlier collaborative initiatives and a bridging programme between the two institutions, the outreach programme reflects a shared commitment towards academic collaboration, community engagement and sustainable development.

Organised by ITS and led by Dr. Ir. Arief Abdurrakhman, S.T., M.T., the programme was conducted under the theme “Empowering Sustainable Eco-Villages: Edufarm Literacy, Biogas & Organic Fertiliser Innovations.” The opening ceremony was officiated by Ir. Henry Sulvan Hadi, S.T., M.T., PhD, Head of the Department of Instrumentation Engineering, ITS.

The UTM delegation was led by the Director of UTM ICC, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Noor Azurati Ahmad @ Salleh, and included seven students from various faculties. The programme served as a platform to strengthen academic cooperation, cultural exchange and community engagement while promoting sustainable development practices among local communities.

A major component of the programme was conducted at Edufarm Literasi, Lamongan, where students engaged in various community-based activities focusing on environmental sustainability, eco-village development, biogas technology and organic fertiliser innovations. Through direct interaction with community members, students gained valuable exposure to sustainable practices while enhancing their understanding of the social and environmental challenges faced by local communities.

The programme also featured a series of guest lectures by UTM academics. Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Noor Azurati Ahmad @ Salleh presented “Smart Innovation: Balancing AI Technology with Ethical Integrity,” while Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Shek Poi Ngian shared insights on “Generating Topic Ideas and Research Writing.” Ir. Dr. Nik Mohd Ridzuan Shaharuddin delivered a lecture on “Marine Robotics Research and Hydrodynamic Testing at the Marine Technology Centre, UTM.” The sessions provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and academic exchange between UTM and ITS participants.

Beyond the outreach activities, UTM ICC also took the opportunity to strengthen institutional networking through engagement sessions with the HETI Project ITS team. Discussions focused on exploring future collaborative opportunities in innovation, entrepreneurship, student mobility and community development initiatives.

The delegation further held a courtesy meeting with Vice Rector for Innovation, Collaboration, and Alumni Relations (Vice Rector IV) of ITS, Prof. Agus Muhamad Hatta, S.T., M.Si., PhD.

The meeting highlighted the strong relationship between the two institutions and explored potential future collaborations in research, innovation, academic exchange and international programmes that would benefit both universities.

The successful implementation of the Global Community Outreach Programme demonstrates the commitment of UTM and ITS towards fostering meaningful international partnerships that create positive societal impact. Guided by the UTM ICC tagline, “You Feel It, You Own It”, the collaboration exemplifies how universities can work together to bridge knowledge, innovation and community needs while preparing students to become globally competent and socially responsible graduates.