SURABAYA, Feb 22 – UTM International, in collaboration with the Student Facility, Welfare, and Disciplinary Section of the Department of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) (JTNCHEPA), successfully organized the “Steps Beyond Home: Nurturing Growth Through Global Exposure Program.” This fully funded mobility initiative took place from February 16 to February 22, 2025, specifically for SULUNG 2.0 students. Twenty students, selected based on their academic achievements, were given the opportunity to gain international exposure, develop intercultural understanding, and broaden their horizons.

Hosted by Universitas Ciputra (UC) Surabaya, the program aimed to promote cultural exchange through an initiative titled “Colors of Culture: Uniting Creativity and Heritage,” which celebrates the diverse traditions and artistic expressions of various nations. A significant highlight of this program was a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project that involved mural painting in Kota Lama, Surabaya.

Kota Lama Surabaya, or Surabaya’s Old Town, is a historic district that showcases the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Dating back to the Dutch colonial era, this area features a unique blend of European, Chinese, Arab, and Malay influences, making it an essential part of Surabaya’s identity. The mural, titled “Senja di Kota Lama” (Dusk in the Old Town), beautifully captures the nostalgia and charm of this historic district as the sun sets, blending history, culture, and creativity in a visually stunning composition.

This project was spearheaded by the Visual Communication Design (VCD) Department of the School of Creative Industry at UC in collaboration with the Good Job Team, an alumni arts company. It received endorsement from the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Surabaya City Government, in alignment with their Old Town Revitalization Project, which aims to preserve and enhance the appeal of Kota Lama as a heritage tourism destination. Over three days, students from UTM and UC worked together to realize this vision by creating a stunning mural that now serves as a vibrant landmark in the city.

In addition to the mural painting activity, students engaged in a cultural exploration of Surabaya. They visited the Javasche Museum, Museum Pendidikan, Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument), and Monumen Kapal Selam (Submarine Monument). These visits provided valuable insights into Surabaya’s historical development and national significance, further enriching the students’ overall experience.

UTM International recently participated in PRISM (Pathways Reaching Internationalism), an international education fair hosted by UC. This event provided a platform for UC students to explore global academic opportunities, including Double-Degree programs, international exchanges, and postgraduate studies. Many students showed a strong interest in UTM’s inbound mobility programs, particularly summer schools and student exchange initiatives. PRISM proved to be an invaluable opportunity for fostering international collaborations and promoting UTM as a hub for global education.

This outbound mobility program offered students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) life-changing experiences, including hands-on community engagement, cultural immersion, and global networking opportunities. The students expressed their heartfelt gratitude for this opportunity, highlighting how it broadened their perspectives, increased their confidence, and inspired them to seek international experiences in the future.

Thank you, UTM, for making this journey possible!