9 August 2024 – The Academy of Language Studies and Division of Student Affairs, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perlis Branch, Malaysia, and Universitas Muria Kudus (UMK), Indonesia successfully organized the Third Global Insights Essay Competition (GIEC) 2024. The programme which was held online was aimed to strengthen ties between the two institutions while showcasing students' academic skills.
The essay-writing competition revolved around the 4th Sustainable Development Goal: "Quality Education." The competition was opened to students of UiTM Perlis Branch and Universitas Muria Kudus. Participants were required to write and submit a 300–350-word expository essay on the theme "Fostering Resilient Communities: Supporting Mental Health at University." The submissions were evaluated based on content, organization, style, mechanics, and grammar.
The competition attracted 137 entries from students. All participants received Certificates of Participation, while the top three winners were awarded Certificates of Special Recognition during a joint online award ceremony held on Friday, August 9, 2024, via Webex. The award ceremony was officiated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shukor Sanim Mohd Fauzi, exercising the functions of the Rector of UiTM Perlis Branch. Distinguished attendees included Prof. Dr. Ir. Darsono, Rector of Universiti Muria Kudus, Dr. Atik Rokhayani, Head of International Affairs at UMK, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Latisha Asmaak Shafie, Head of the Learning Center, Academy of Language Studies, UiTM. The event was also attended by GIEC 2024 committee members, judges, lecturers, and participants, marking a successful collaboration between the two universities.
In his speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shukor Sanim expressed his hope that more such programmes would be conducted to facilitate the talent development of students and staff members. He said, “Programmes such as this serve as a good platform to develop students’ critical and analytical thinking skills where they have to share their ideas on real issues faced by students and educators as well as the broader society.” Nur Marysya Aimee Marzimi from UiTM and Avissa Nabila Putri from UMK emerged as the first-place winners for this year’s edition.
