CCIN Global Outreach Program with a Global CSR Focus@SYDNEY

SOHAILAH SAFIE

SYDNEY, 29 Feb. – A team of 14 staff members from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), comprising of 2 academic staff and 12 non-academic staff, successfully conducted the Global Outreach Programme in Sydney, Australia, under the coordination of the Centre for Community and Industry Network (CCIN). The primary focus of the University Social Responsibility (USR) Programme was to undertake multiple knowledge-transfer initiatives for the local community at Masjid Darul Imaan in the Arncliffe region. Additionally, the programme included visiting the Malaysian Consulate Office and networking with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

CSR Program as a Main Focus

During the second day of the Global Outreach Programme in Sydney, the team participated in a community project with the Masjid Darul Imaan Committee. This marked the first time the programme had worked on such a project, aimed at promoting a knowledge transfer programme for children and parents in the local Islamic community.

The event began with a warm welcome from Haji Amin Afiq Malek, Chairman of the Mosque, setting the tone for an enriching day of cultural exchange and learning. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Johari Surif, Director of CCIN, addressed the gathering, sharing insights into the significance of such programs in fostering global understanding.

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme was split into two sessions: one for parents or the local community, and the other for the children, involving a total of 40 children. The first session was led by Mr. Nawawi Mohd Salleh, a senior assistant engineer from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at UTM. It was an extensive lecture on the fundamentals of Simenfero for parents, teachers, and university student representatives, delivered through a mix of theory and practical application. Participants gained valuable insights into the preparation of Simenfero products.

Dr. Sabrinah Adam and Associate Professor Dr. Johari Surif led 40 children during the second session. The first slot was headed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Johari Surif, where he emphasized the importance of teamwork in academic success. The module aimed to encourage students to work collaboratively and share knowledge effectively.

On the other hand, Dr. Sabrinah Adam, Deputy Director of CCIN, led the second slot, where she introduced the Design Thinking Module. The module aimed to empower students with innovative problem-solving approaches and creative expression. She equipped students with new tools for problem-solving and creative expression, which added a dynamic touch to the day’s activities. The students were very appreciative of her engaging teaching style and emphasis on design thinking concepts.

After the CSR program concluded, Associate Professor Dr. Johari Surif reflected on the initiative and highlighted the significance of establishing a deeper connection with communities. He stated that this unique outreach program extends beyond traditional boundaries and fosters a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding.

Networking session with UTS

As part of the Global Outreach Programme, the CCIN team engaged in CSR activities and also attended a networking session with the UTS. This session was an important component of the programme. During the visit, the team explored the UTS campus and visited the UTS Central Building, which houses various resources for research, education, and learning. The building contains the Hive Superlab, three spacious and modern collaborative classrooms, and research areas for the Faculty of Engineering and IT.

Apart from this, the team also visited the Vicki Sara Building, also known as UTS Building 7. This building has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star Design rating by the Green Building Council of Australia. The Green Theatre within this building, which accommodates 185 individuals in a tiered lecture style, is entirely adorned in green, including the floor, walls, and ceiling. The theater features unique ‘beaker’ lighting, and the green ambience is believed to foster a tranquil learning atmosphere.

Visit to the Consulate of Malaysia Office (Education Malaysia, Australia)

The team had the pleasure of visiting the Consulate of Malaysia office and meeting with the Education Malaysia Australia (EMA) team. Puan Dayang Suhana Fadzim warmly welcomed the team, providing them with a tour of the office and sharing insights into the Consulate’s history and services for Malaysian students in Sydney.

They also engaged in discussions with education authorities to learn about education policies and practices worldwide. This diplomatic engagement fosters a sense of global citizenship and empowers us to drive positive change in our communities.

Our programme is committed to creating a long-term legacy of constructive transformation. The CCIN team’s Global Outreach Programme combines our expertise and core values in CSR programs, cultural immersion, educational exploration, and diplomatic engagement to provide a unique and enriching experience. This journey broadens our horizons, deepens our understanding of the world, and inspires us to make a positive impact in our community and beyond.