By Dr Nurul Ashraf Razali & Dr Dina Azleema Mohamed Nor, Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) is set to expand its global academic footprint following a recent visit by a delegation from Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (UDINUS), Indonesia.

The visit is expected to catalyse new research collaborations, broaden student mobility opportunities, and strengthen student-centred initiatives with long-term impact on teaching, learning, and wellbeing.

The event marked an important step forward in UMT’s internationalisation agenda. Discussions took place between the visiting delegation, consisting of Dr. Ika Pantiawati, Widya Ratna Wulan, Tiara Fani, and Syifa Sofia Wibowo, and UMT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, focusing on future-oriented cooperation in joint research, academic exchanges and collaborative programmes designed to benefit both institutions and their students.

Beyond high-level talks, the visit translated into meaningful on-the-ground engagement through a programme held at the UMT Convention Centre. The UMT-UDINUS International Youth Health Collaboration 2026 programme emphasised youth empowerment via telemedicine-driven health prevention strategies. The session also addressed anti-vaping awareness and the promotion of active, healthy lifestyles, aligning with UMT’s vision of producing graduates who are not only academically competent but also socially and health conscious.

A total of 40 students from the Bachelor of Technology (Environmental) and Bachelor of Technology (Renewable Energy) programmes actively participated in the programme. Through cross-border knowledge exchange, intercultural dialogue and collaborative discussions, students explored contemporary health challenges affecting university communities while gaining exposure to international perspectives and practices.

The programme was implemented through close collaboration between UDINUS, UMT’s Faculty of Technology, Engineering and Computer Technology (FTKK), and UMT’s student-led EnTech Club. It was conducted under the guidance of EnTech Club Advisor Dr. Dina Azleema Mohamed Nor and International Mobility Coordinator Dr. Nurul Ashraf Razali, reflecting strong academic leadership and coordination at the institutional level.

The visit represents a significant milestone in the evolving partnership between UMT and UDINUS. It highlights UMT’s commitment to global engagement, academic excellence, and the holistic development of its students.

The collaboration successfully strengthened bilateral ties, engaged students in hands-on health initiatives, promoted awareness of telemedicine and active lifestyles, and fostered meaningful cross-cultural learning.

By linking strategic academic discussions with impactful student engagement, the collaboration is expected to generate sustained benefits in research, mobility, and holistic student development.