ITS–UM Outbound Mobility, Bridging Collaboration in Education

ITS–UM Outbound Mobility, Bridging Collaboration in Education

Figure 1. Group photo of ITS students and lecturers at the UM campus

ITS Campus, ITS News — As part of efforts to strengthen international networks and provide cross-cultural learning experiences for students, the Department of Electrical and Automation Engineering (DTEO) at the Institute of Technology Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) once again conducted an Outbound Student Mobility (OSM) program to the University of Malaya (UM) in Malaysia from October 26 to November 1, 2025. This program is a tangible manifestation of the academic collaboration between ITS and UM, which continues to grow from year to year. This collaborative activity was participated in by three departments in the ITS Vocational Faculty, namely: the Department of Electrical and Automation Engineering, the Department of Industrial Engineering, and the Department of Civil Infrastructure Engineering.

For one week, students had the opportunity to experience firsthand the academic atmosphere at one of the best universities in Southeast Asia. Through a series of structured activities—ranging from lectures, laboratory explorations, to cultural visits—the program is designed to broaden students’ perspectives on global education and research. “Through such international experiences, students not only learn theories but also understand the real-world context of how technology is developed and applied in other countries,” explained one of the accompanying lecturers.

Figure 2. Group photo of DTEO students and Mr. Ciptian Wiried, who is pursuing his doctoral degree at UM

In the academic realm, DTEO students attended guest lectures, laboratory tours, and discussions with UM lecturers. Two topics were the main focus: Sustainability and Development and bridge simulation through Bridge Simulation Using K’nex. These activities not only presented new perspectives, but also sparked critical discussions about innovation and sustainability challenges, which are currently the focus of global attention.
Outside the classroom, students participated in Explorace Games, ice breaking sessions, and campus tours, with ITS and UM students collaborating in groups. These activities served as a means to build international friendships while developing soft skills such as intercultural communication and teamwork.
The program was further enriched by a series of educational and cultural visits, such as exploring Putrajaya Botanical Garden, visiting Beryl’s Chocolate Museum, and traveling to Melaka to learn about Malaysian history through iconic sites such as A Famosa and Stadthuys. Through these experiences, students gained a deeper understanding of Malaysia’s cultural diversity, historical heritage, and social dynamics.
Closing the entire series of events, a Closing Ceremony was held as a form of appreciation for the success of the activities. The presentation of participation certificates and performances by ITS students made this moment full of warmth and a sense of achievement.

Figure 3. Group photo of ITS and UM students during the city tour.

The success of this program cannot be separated from the close collaboration between ITS and the University of Malaya. This was emphasized by Prof. Nik Nazri, representative of UM, who said that “Cross-cultural exposure and academic partnerships between the two universities are very important for mutual development.” This statement reinforces the strategic value of the OSM program in supporting the improvement of the academic capacity of both institutions.
This program is directly related to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which emphasizes the importance of global partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals. The collaboration between ITS and UM is a concrete example of how international cooperation can open up new learning opportunities, broaden students’ horizons, and promote an inclusive and sustainable higher education ecosystem.
Through the various experiences gained, DTEO students not only return with new knowledge but also carry the mission as academic ambassadors of the nation—strengthening ITS’s image as a university actively contributing to the global network.

Reporter: Ziya
Editor: Alif (*)