Two exceptional youth leaders from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) were chosen to participate in the highly anticipated annual signature program of the Asia Technological University Network (ATU-Net): the ATU-Net Student Leader Forum 2023 (ATU-Net SeLF 2023).
Alongside 34 students from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, and India, they embarked on this prestigious journey. The event took place face-to-face at the picturesque campus of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) in Surabaya, Indonesia, from May 15th to 17th, 2023.
Miss Syaza Soraya Sauli, a Ph.D. student in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, and member of Ahli Dewan Muda Johor for the year 2022, represented UTM. Joining her was Miss Nadratul Huda Ahmad, the President of the Student Representative Council 2022/2023 from the Faculty of Science.
The event was graced by the presence of Prof. Dr. Shamsul Sahibuddin, UTM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs), on behalf of the ATU-Net Chair, along with Dr. Iman Harymawan, the Director of Airlangga Global Engagement.
Building upon the resounding success of the ATU-Net SeLF 2022, this year’s forum centered around the theme “Youth Leadership Roles in the Sustainable Technology Era.”
It delved into the pivotal role of young leaders in propelling innovative technological advancements and fostering a sustainable, environmentally conscious society. The program offered youth participants from ATU-Net member institutions an intellectually stimulating academic environment amidst the serene campus backdrop.
A group photo of participants of ATU-Net Student Leader Forum 2023 with Prof. Dr. Shamsul Sahibuddin, UTM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs) & Dr. Iman Harymawan, Director of Airlangga Global Engagement.
The forum aimed to facilitate communication and collaboration among young people and student leaders within the network and beyond. It served as a platform for participants to gain insights into the latest advancements in fields related to climate change, the green world, technological innovation, and youth empowerment.
Engaging discussions revolved around the challenges and best practices in student and youth leadership, particularly regarding technological innovation and sustainability.
The primary objective of ATU-Net SeLF 2023 was to cultivate collaboration and information sharing among participating students, enabling them to learn from one another, establish regional connections, and develop a shared global identity rooted in sustainable practices for a greener world. This invaluable opportunity allowed participants to analyze and reflect on current societal challenges and future prospects.
The event underscored the remarkable contributions made by young individuals in shaping the narrative of the modern world through visionary thinking and leadership focused on the well-being and prosperity of all.
Over the course of three days, attendees were inspired by three distinguished keynote speakers who were pioneers and environmentalists in their respective fields. Their knowledge and experiences served to ignite the participants’ passion and drive.
The youth leaders were further divided into five groups, engaging in stimulating brainstorming sessions aimed at developing innovative startup projects.
Beyond the academic pursuits, participants had the chance to immerse themselves in the richness of Indonesian culture and heritage, making their experience truly comprehensive and enriching.
Participants of ATU-Net Student Leader Forum 2023 (ATU-Net SeLF 2023) at the end of the programme.
Asia Technological University Network (ATU-Net) stands as a strategic international alliance, with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) serving as the Chair, Secretariat, and Network Host.
Established during the 8th University Presidents Forum at UTM Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on August 9th, 2016, ATU-Net aims to connect technology-focused institutions of higher learning in Asia.
Its mission revolves around supporting member universities in achieving world-class quality in education and research in engineering and technology through strategic international collaboration.
To learn more about ATU-Net, please visit their official website: https://atunet.org/about/.
By: Ms. Amni Mohammad Zahar & Ms. Syaza Soraya Sauli