📝 Summary
The University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) successfully organized a four-day foster family program in Kampung Seri Aman, Rengit, Johor, connecting 32 international and local students with the local community. The program aimed to promote cultural exchange, heritage appreciation, and community engagement, while also aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The students participated in various activities, including cultural events and visits to local industries, and formed lasting relationships with the community.
RENGIT, Aug 16 – From 13 to 16 August 2026, the Student Experience Unit of UTM International successfully organized the second series of the “Keluarga Angkat Bagi Pelajar Antarabangsa UTM Bersama Komuniti Kampung Seri Aman, Rengit, Johor” program.
Held in Kampung Seri Aman in Rengit, this four-day initiative served as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, heritage appreciation and community engagement.
Championing the Internationalisation at Home (I@H) initiative, the program was carefully designed to instill intercultural competencies within a local community setting.
The event saw the participation of 32 students, comprising 15 international Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) students, 12 local UTM students, and a visiting delegation of five students from Universitas Sriwijaya (UNSRI) in Palembang, Indonesia. The UNSRI delegation was specially invited to join this program and this is the first of its kind.
Upon their arrival in the village, the student delegation was warmly greeted by the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) before being officially handed over to the 12 local families who graciously volunteered as foster families.
Throughout the four days, students experienced authentic rural life firsthand, ranging from enjoying staple kampung breakfasts to bonding with their foster families during relaxed evening sessions.
The itinerary included deep dives into the village’s economic heritage with educational visits to local small and medium enterprises, including the local coffee production at Persatuan Peladang Rengit, exploring a local pineapple plantation and local chips (kerepek) industry run by Azhar Food Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd.
Cultural appreciation was further highlighted through a leisure community karaoke session, a dedicated Cultural Night and the highly engaging “Sukaneka Riuh Sekampung” sports carnival.
During this lively event, students and villagers bonded over traditional games such as coconut bowling (boling kelapa) and rubber band tossing. Beyond cultural immersion, the initiative strongly aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by building meaningful cross-border educational partnerships.
As a lasting token of appreciation and to directly benefit the local infrastructure, the organizers and UTM International donated a bench to the village mosque, Masjid Jamek Al Hidayah, ensuring added comfort for its daily visitors.
The enriching program concluded on 16 August with a grand closing ceremony, attended by distinguished guests, including the UTM International Top Management and the Rengit Assemblyman.
The closing ceremony of this program was officiated by the Member of the State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) for Rengit, Hj. Zaidi Japar. As the students packed their bags and departed for UTM Skudai, they carried back not only newfound knowledge but invaluable, lifelong relationships forged with the Kampung Seri Aman community.
