SEMARANG, Sep 20 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universitas PGRI Semarang (UPGRIS) successfully concluded their joint International Experiential Learning (IEL) programme held from 14 to 20 September 2026 in Semarang, marking 15 years of institutional partnership. Themed “Discover, Learn, Create & Share: International Student Engagement for Local Community Development,” the collaborative initiative was jointly organised by the UTM International Office and the UPGRIS Office of Cooperation and International Affairs. The initiative brought together 20 UTM students and two staff members for cross-border learning, cultural immersion and local community development.

Throughout the week-long programme, participants navigated a structured four-stage learning journey: Discover, Learn, Create and Share. Hands-on field activities took place at Menari Tourism Village in Tanon, Munding Village and the main UPGRIS campus. UTM delegates actively participated in traditional cultural heritage activities such as playing wayang kulit and gamelan, learning Javanese dances, and facilitating cultural exchanges by introducing Malaysian traditions, songs and games. In addition, students engaged in community development activities by surveying local enterprises, sustainable agriculture practices, and youth and women empowerment initiatives.

The programme provided participating students with hands-on international exposure while developing competencies in cross-cultural communication, field research and collaborative problem-solving. Working in five dedicated project teams, students translated their ground observations into tangible outputs, including comprehensive project proposals, quick-reference guides for campus services and reflective multimedia presentations aimed at addressing local needs. These activities enabled students to connect classroom learning with practical community-based experiences.

For both UPGRIS and UTM through the International Office, the successful execution of the IEL programme marks a significant milestone in internationalisation and community-centric research. The initiative provided a practical platform to implement university-community engagement and collaboration models. This project-based approach directly aligns institutional academic capabilities with grassroots development, while creating opportunities for future student mobility programmes and academic collaboration.

The programme also demonstrated how international student mobility can be linked directly to local community development through field-based learning, cultural exchange and project work. The engagement provided students with opportunities to observe local practices, interact with communities and work collaboratively on issues identified during the programme.

Reflecting on 15 years of continuous institutional partnership, this latest joint endeavour reinforces the commitment between UTM and UPGRIS to nurture globally conscious and socially responsible future leaders. By blending academic learning with meaningful grassroots engagement, the ongoing alliance between the two institutions continues to support regional academic cooperation and sustainable community impact.