By Syarifah Noormaisarah Tuan Besar, International Centre

The International Centre and the Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology (FTKK) of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) recently organized an edutourism programme titled UMT Global Exchange: Bridging Minds from Mobility and Leadership. The programme on 5 August was co-hosted in collaboration with the Malaysia Homestay Association and the Department of Tourism Malaysia, held in conjunction with the Young ASEAN Islamic Future Leader Programme 2025.

The event brought together 130 participants from Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, with the aim of nurturing young leaders through exposure to issues of environmental sustainability.

One of the programme’s highlights was a lecture delivered by Dr. Ts. Shahrir Zahari, Senior Lecturer at FTKK, who emphasized the critical role of water in daily life. His talk raised awareness among participants on how unconscious water consumption patterns can impact future sustainability, underscoring the responsibility of young leaders to champion environmental preservation.

In addition, participants were engaged in a hands-on experiment demonstrating the importance of proper handwashing. Using detection technology, the experiment revealed how invisible microorganisms remain on seemingly clean hands if they are not washed correctly. This activity aligned well with UMT’s academic niche in aquatic and marine sciences, showing how scientific awareness can translate into leadership for sustainability.

The closing ceremony was officiated by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Nazri Dagang, Deputy Dean (Talent and Research) of FTKK, who highlighted the importance of empowering students to become impactful leaders in their communities.

From a promotional perspective, the participants were introduced to UMT’s cutting-edge facilities and research through visits to the INOS Gallery and AKUATROP Hatchery. These centres reflect UMT’s strength in marine and aquatic sciences.

To enrich the edutourism experience, the programme also included a cultural excursion around Kuala Terengganu, where participants experienced the city’s unique charm and were introduced to water transportation in Terengganu, offering them a glimpse into the local lifestyle and heritage.

Through this initiative, UMT successfully combined academic enrichment, cultural immersion, and leadership development, providing participants with valuable insights into sustainability while strengthening its global engagement.