JOHOR BAHRU, Apr 2 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST), recently hosted an enriching Academic Visit and Cultural Exchange Program involving 54 undergraduate students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Vietnam. Held on 1 and 2 April 2026, the program exemplified a meaningful platform for fostering international academic mobility, strengthening institutional networks, and enhancing global visibility.

The two-day program was designed to integrate both cultural immersion and academic engagement, aligning with the strategic direction of UTM in advancing global partnerships and student mobility initiatives. It also reflects the ongoing commitment under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UTM and USSH, which continues to generate impactful collaborative activities.

Day 1: Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Visibility

The program commenced with a vibrant Cultural Exchange session, bringing together students from USSH and FEST in an interactive and engaging environment. The session featured 10 booths jointly managed by students, showcasing traditional attire, games, dances, and cultural heritage from both Malaysia and Vietnam.

The welcoming session was officiated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Rustam Mohd Rameli, Manager of External and Global Engagement, FEST. In his welcoming remarks, he emphasized the importance of international mobility programs in enhancing students’ global competencies, intercultural understanding, and communication skills. He also highlighted how such initiatives contribute to increasing UTM’s visibility as a globally connected institution.

Adding to the cultural richness of the event, FEST students presented a traditional Zapin dance, symbolizing the uniqueness of Malaysian heritage. Meanwhile, students from USSH delivered an impressive traditional Vietnamese dance performance, further strengthening the mutual appreciation of cultural diversity. The cultural booths, managed by students from the Mathematics Education Program, provided hands-on experiences that encouraged interaction, collaboration, and peer learning.

The day concluded with a campus tour led by UTM students, offering the visiting delegation a closer look at the university’s facilities and learning environment. This session not only enhanced cultural exchange but also strengthened interpersonal connections among students from both institutions.

Day 2: Academic Engagement and Knowledge Exchange

The second day focused on academic discussions, reinforcing the program’s objective of integrating knowledge sharing with global perspectives. The session began with an insightful presentation by Dr. Yap Soon Li from FEST, who delivered a talk on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Teaching and Learning English. The session highlighted emerging trends in educational technology and emphasized the role of AI in enhancing language learning experiences.

Following the expert sharing session, students from USSH and the Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) program at FEST participated in group discussions. These discussions provided a platform for exchanging ideas on language learning, global communication skills, and preparation for the future workforce. The collaborative nature of the discussions fostered critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and academic networking among participants.

Strengthening Mobility, Network, and Global Impact

Overall, the Academic Visit and Cultural Exchange Program successfully achieved its objectives of enhancing academic mobility, strengthening institutional networking, and increasing international visibility. The active participation of students and lecturers from both institutions demonstrated a strong commitment to collaborative learning and global engagement.

Such initiatives not only enrich students’ academic experiences but also prepare them to become globally competent graduates. More importantly, the program reinforces the strategic partnership between UTM and USSH, paving the way for future collaborations in research, teaching, and international programs.

As UTM continues to expand its global footprint, programs like this serve as a testament to its dedication to fostering meaningful international relationships and promoting a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in higher education.