UTAR hosts International Young Leaders Summer Programme 2024

Thirty-six brilliant students from Xidian University, Zhejiang International Studies University, Universitas Airlangga, and Universitas Gadjah Mada, along with four dedicated academics, participated in the International Young Leaders Summer Programme 2024 (IYLSP), jointly organised by the Department of Student Affairs, the Department of Soft Skills Competency and the UTAR International Friendship Society.

The summer programme, held from 18 until 24 August 2024, saw students embarking on a week-long journey of cultural exchange, sustainability education, and leadership development. The opening ceremony of the IYLSP, which was held at the UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 19 August 2024, was attended by UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Head of the Department of Student Affairs (Sungai Long Campus) Ms Loh Nyuk Leung, Head of the Department of Soft Skills Competency (Sungai Long Campus) Ms Fook Oi Yee, Chairperson of UTAR International Friendship Society Tang Hiew Muun, students and academics from the four universities, as well as UTAR students and staff.

Prof Choong emphasising the importance of leveraging collective knowledge to create sustainable development

Throughout the programme, participants explored Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, visited architectural landmarks, and engaged in sustainability workshops focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. These sessions, led by UTAR academics and staff, provided participants with valuable insights into sustainable practices and the importance of cultural identity.

The programme also featured visits to iconic sites such as Batu Caves, the National Museum of Malaysia, and Royal Selangor, offering a comprehensive understanding of Malaysia’s history and culture. A highlight was the cultural workshop on Youth Cultural Identity, which fostered meaningful discussions on heritage and the role of youth in its preservation.

During the closing ceremony, student representatives from the participating universities shared their experiences, reflecting on the new knowledge they had gained and expressing how much they enjoyed their time in Malaysia. The event concluded with these heartfelt testimonies, leaving participants with enriched perspectives and lasting memories of their journey.

Students at Hard Knocks Workshop

Clockwise from top right: Sharing session by Anugrah Yuwan Atmadja from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Lin Lixin from Xidian University, Shao Yiming from Zhejiang International Studies University, and Fitria Damayanti from Airlangga Universitas