PADANG, Sept 1 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has successfully carried out the Global Outreach Program (GOP), Research and Network in Arts and Humanity (RANAH), in Padang, Indonesia, as part of its continuous efforts to strengthen international collaboration, academic exchange, and cultural diplomacy. The program reflected UTM’s commitment to its internationalisation agenda and the principles of the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Led by Meerashni Thrumoorthy Rao, the delegation comprised 13 undergraduate students, two PhD students, and was supervised by senior academic lecturers, Prof. Dr. Siti Zaiton Mohd Hashim, Deputy Dean Research & Innovation Faculty of Computing; Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shahizan Othman, Head of RANAH Programme; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Murtadha Mohamad, Research Manager Faculty of Computing; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azurah A Samah, Assistant Research Group Manager; as well as Azmaniza Aziz staff from the Academic Office. Together, this diverse team of students, academics, and administrators embarked on a journey that not only advanced UTM’s academic partnerships but also enriched the participants’ appreciation of West Sumatra’s cultural heritage.

The program began with a warm reception at Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi (STIE) AKBP Padang, where the UTM delegation was welcomed through the Minangkabau tradition of makan bajamba. This communal dining experience, deeply rooted in values of unity and togetherness, provided the students and academics with their first taste of Minangkabau hospitality. Beyond its cultural meaning, the gathering created a platform for the delegation to engage informally with local hosts, setting the foundation for meaningful academic and cultural exchanges throughout the program. The following academic engagement at Institute Teknologi Padang (ITP) highlighted the strong educational purpose of UTM GOP RANAH. Here, institutional ties were formalised through an IA signing ceremony, followed by an academic symposium featuring thought-provoking discussions on emerging trends in research and innovation. Notably, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Murtadha and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Shahizan delivered a session entitled “The Future is Now: How Generative AI is Transforming Research Publications”, which drew attention to the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in scholarly communication. This was complemented by an AI and Innovation sharing session led by Prof. Siti Zaiton Mohd Hashim and Apri Junaidi, a UTM PhD student, who explored practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for academic advancement. The symposium ended with a souvenir exchange, cementing goodwill and the promise of future collaboration.

Later, the delegation proceeded to Universitas Putra Indonesia YPTK (UPI YPTK), where the academic partnership was deepened further through Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) and Implementation Agreements (IA) signings, reaffirming UTM’s long-term commitment to joint initiatives in research and education. Once again, the traditional makan bajamba was shared with UPI lecturers and students, this time creating opportunities for UTM students to directly interact with their Indonesian counterparts in a spirit of friendship. The programme was enhanced by cultural showcases and academic talks, with Dr. Venanda and Dr. Olandari Mulyadi delivering engaging presentations on Minangkabau heritage, its customs, and its enduring relevance to local identity. These sessions highlighted how culture and academia intersect, underscoring the importance of understanding local traditions while building academic linkages. On their way to Alahan Panjang, the group stopped at a tea plantation, where participants gained insights into local agriculture and sustainability practices. This stop, although brief, reflected UTM GOP RANAH’s holistic approach, where nature, culture, and education intersected seamlessly in the learning process.

The following day, the delegation visited the Office of Bupati Solok, where academic leaders from UTM joined local government officials in a constructive dialogue on “Pengembangan Potensi Sektor Unggulan Kabupaten Solok” (Developing Leading Sectors of Solok Regency). This meeting provided a unique platform for UTM academics and students to witness how universities can contribute to regional development by leveraging research, knowledge, and innovation. The discussions highlighted the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to drive sustainable growth, echoing the values embedded in the GOP RANAH initiative.

Later in the day, UTM academics met with staff at Universitas Islam Negeri Mahmud Yunus (UIN) Batusangkar, engaging in preliminary discussions that may serve as the foundation for future collaborations in both teaching and research. To conclude the day, the delegation explored Istano Basa Pagaruyung, a historic palace that once housed Minangkabau royalty. Here, students and staff learned about the traditions of Minangkabau kings and queens, their governance system, and their symbolic attire. This cultural immersion not only broadened the delegation’s historical understanding but also allowed them to reflect on the significance of heritage in shaping present-day identity.

Another highlight of the program was the visit to Dininyah Putri Padang Panjang, an institution deeply tied to the legacy of Rahmah El Yunusiyyah, a pioneering figure in women’s education in Indonesia. Participants were introduced to the history of the institution and its contributions to advancing education in the region. A major component of this visit was the student sharing session, where UTM students proudly presented their projects and research work. Meerashni Thrumoorthy Rao introduced applications of the Internet of Things (IoT), Hafizuddin and Ngu Yu Ling spoke on innovations in Bioinformatics, while Elijah She Yu Sheng elaborated on developments in Data Engineering. These sessions demonstrated the intellectual diversity of UTM students and reflected the essence of UTM GOP RANAH building networks that go beyond disciplines and national boundaries while showcasing the role of students as ambassadors of research and knowledge. The sharing session not only impressed the local audience but also allowed UTM students to grow in confidence as they presented their expertise to an international community.

The program concluded with a memorable closing ceremony at STIE Padang, where a keynote address was delivered by UTM PhD student Norazhar Anas, titled “Dari Infrastruktur ke Kehidupan Lebih Baik: Sebuah Inspirasi untuk Kebijakan Publik” (“From Infrastructure to Better Living: An Inspiration for Public Policy”). His talk, which connected infrastructure development with broader societal well-being, provided inspiration for students and academics alike on how knowledge can be translated into impactful public policy. This was followed by reflective sharing sessions from all UTM students, where they recounted their experiences and learnings from their time in Padang. The ceremony ended on a symbolic note with a joint performance of the celebrated Minangkabau song “Ayam Dan Lapeh”, performed by both UTM and STIE students. The performance embodied the spirit of harmony, friendship, and cultural appreciation that had characterised the entire program, leaving a lasting impression of goodwill between the institutions.

In conclusion, the UTM GOP RANAH in Padang was a comprehensive initiative that seamlessly integrated academic exchange, cultural immersion, and community engagement. By combining high-level academic discussions, institutional collaborations, student-led research sharing, and deep cultural experiences, the program achieved its objective of strengthening UTM’s role as a global university that values both intellectual advancement and intercultural understanding. It not only expanded UTM’s international academic network but also nurtured students to become future-ready leaders equipped with global competencies. Ultimately, the program reaffirmed UTM’s commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships, cultivating respect for cultural diversity, and aligning education with the global priorities outlined in the SDGs.

prepared by Meerashni Thrumoorthy Rao

Source: UTM NewsHub