Melaka International Virtual Mobility Program 2023 – Heritage and Cultural Educational Exchange

Melaka, Malaysia – In a bid to foster global awareness and empower students with a multicultural perspective, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication (FKEKK) at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) has successfully organized the Melaka International Virtual Mobility Program 2023. This immersive educational initiative, held from September 4th to September 17th, saw the active participation of 168 UTeM students and partner universities, including VIT, UNPRI, UNSRI, UNAND, and UNILA.

The Melaka International Virtual Mobility Program 2023 aims to help students gain a global perspective and improve their international competitiveness through outbound and inbound mobility experiences. The program covered various academic, technical, traditional, and cultural activities. It allowed participants to explore the history and culture of Melaka and the neighbouring city.

During the 14-day program, students participated in various educational activities, such as seminars, lectures, workshops, group discussions, and presentations. The sessions, meticulously organized by each participating institution, covered various subjects ranging from technical advancements to academic pursuits. The program highlighted the importance of local food and cultural traditions, with special sessions focused on promoting and appreciating Melaka’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.

The program aimed to expand students’ horizons, boost their self-confidence, deepen their understanding of global issues and diverse perspectives, and shape them into highly respected graduates. The program also trained students to be ambassadors for university international affairs, strengthening existing relationships between universities by exchanging knowledge and experiences.

This is the third time we have organized such programs, and the link for all three consecutive programs is as follows:

• Melaka International Virtual Mobility Program 2023
• UTeM-UNSRI VIRTUAL MOBILITY PROGRAM 2022
• UTeM, UNAND, UNSRI Virtual Mobility Camp 2021

Among the participants, a total of 87 students represented various universities. Notably, 40 students hail from UTeM, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to providing its students with global exposure and cultural immersion opportunities. The remaining participants came from Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Bandung (STTB), Universitas Lampung (UNILA), Universitas Prima Indonesia (UNPRI), and Universitas Sumatera Utara (UNSRI). This diverse cohort of students brought unique perspectives and backgrounds, creating a vibrant and enriching environment for cross-cultural interactions.

The Melaka International Virtual Mobility Program 2023 started with a registration process and ice-breaking activities to help participants make friends. The opening ceremony was an official inauguration, setting the tone for the program’s purpose and objectives. During the program, participants learned about Melaka’s cultural and historical importance and each university through exciting videos and presentations.

As the program unfolded, students eagerly participated in technical sessions, where they honed their skills in various fields of study. These sessions enriched their academic knowledge and fostered critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Group discussions were held to promote local cuisine and cultural practices in Melaka. The goal was to help students understand and appreciate the diverse cultural heritage of Melaka and its global importance.

The Melaka International Virtual Mobility Program in 2023 was an extraordinary and life-changing experience for every participant. The program succeeded in broadening students’ perspectives, nurturing their self-assurance, and equipping them with a global mindset. By embracing cultural diversity and promoting international exchange, UTeM and its partner universities have taken significant strides towards creating well-rounded graduates who can excel in an increasingly interconnected world.

As the program concluded, participants bid farewell, leaving with cherished memories, lasting friendships, and a newfound appreciation for the power of cultural exchange. The success of the Melaka International Virtual Mobility Program 2023 shows how important it is to have educational programs that focus on global exposure and cultural immersion.

With the program’s resounding success, UTeM and its partner universities look forward to further strengthening their collaborations and creating more opportunities for students to embark on transformative mobility programs in the future. Universities shape future leaders and global citizens through initiatives that promote cultural diversity and understanding in our changing world.