MAKASSAR, May 13 – From 4 to 11 May 2025, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) successfully conducted a vibrant and impactful Outbound Academic Visit in collaboration with Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS), Indonesia. Dubbed the Makassar Engineering Odyssey (MEO) 2025, this official international mobility program brought together 12 undergraduate 4th-year students and two dedicated lecturers from UTM for a week-long cultural and academic exchange hosted at UNHAS, Makassar. The program was jointly supported by UTM International, the Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA) from UTM, and the Faculty of Engineering from UNHAS, marking a significant milestone in fostering academic diplomacy and student development across borders.
The program began with a heartfelt welcome and dinner hosted by the Rector of UNHAS, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, at his official residence—setting a warm and collegial tone for the days ahead. Participants were immersed in a series of enriching activities including an opening ceremony, cultural performance day, ice-breaking and team-building games, and campus tours at both Gowa and Tamalanrea campuses. Students also had the unique opportunity to engage in traditional dance classes and a culinary program featuring authentic Makassar cuisine, further deepening their cultural appreciation. Additional visits to the Teaching Industry and Techno-Science Park provided students with insights into local innovation and industrial practices, while a friendly badminton match fostered sportsmanship and camaraderie between UTM and UNHAS delegates.
A highlight of the week was the UTM–UNHAS Students’ Colloquium on Civil and Environmental Engineering, where final-year students from both universities presented their research findings and engaged in academic discourse. The colloquium provided a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing and professional feedback, with presentations evaluated by an esteemed panel comprising Ts. Dr. Azman Mohamed, Dr. Nur Hafizah Abd Khalid, Prof. Dr. Rita Irmawaty, and Ir. Nur Anissa Putry Mangerangi. This academic engagement not only boosted the students’ confidence but also sharpened their research communication and critical thinking skills.
The experience reached its emotional peak during the “Sailor Dinner Night”—a lively evening filled with cultural immersion, including Makassar’s signature cuisine, traditional performances, singing, dancing, and a spectacular fireworks display. It was a night of meaningful celebration, symbolizing the spirit of unity and international friendship that defined the entire program.
Before departing, the UTM delegates enjoyed a historical excursion to the iconic Benteng Rotterdam, followed by a sightseeing tour of Makassar city. This final outing provided valuable cultural and historical insights, rounding out the program with a deepened understanding of local heritage.
The success of Outbound Academic Visit – MEO 2025 would not have been possible without the commitment and enthusiasm of the student participants – Mustafa Mahmoud Mustafa Onsa, Seow Kah Seng, Tan Jin Rong, Niclaronce Ling How Jun, Nurul Maisarah Jamel, Darvin Kalai Mannan, Tan Wilson, Wee Ming Yan, Farah Deena Ashikin Achmad Faizal, Muhammad Hadi Rosli, Muhammad Sani Abd Samad, and Hud Miccael Mahifa. Their journey was guided by two passionate academic leaders—Ts. Dr. Azman Mohamed, advisor; and Dr. Nur Hafizah Abd Khalid, co-advisor —who ensured the program’s smooth execution and educational impact.
Ultimately, this outbound academic visit initiative exemplifies UTM’s continued commitment to nurturing globally-minded engineers and strengthening academic ties with international partners. The Makassar Engineering Odyssey has undoubtedly left a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of all participants, paving the way for strengthen existing collaborations between UTM and UNHAS.
A heartfelt thanks is extended to the authors for their invaluable contributions, dedication and passionate; Ts. Dr. Azman Mohamed and Dr. Nur Hafizah Abd Khalid from Faculty of Civil Engineering, UTM
Source: UTM NewsHub