MELAKA, 12th June 2023 – Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP), Indonesia and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Melaka, Malaysia is moving forward to strengthen the international collaborations (MoU) between the two institutions through the implementation of the Inbound Lecturer Exchange Program. The program was held between 12th to 16th June 2023. UiTM Cawangan Melaka received official academic visit from Dr. Vidyarini Dwita, the Coordinator for Dual-Degree Program (Talent Growth) from UNP. The Inbound Lecturer Exchange Program was specifically designed by Dr. Aqilah Nadiah Md. Sahiq and Dr. Siti Daleela Mohd Wahid with the aim for knowledge transfer enrichment and empowering academic exchange through various activities.
Dr. Vidyarini Dwita was welcomed by the Assistant Rector, Dr. Mohd Halim Mahpoth, the Head of Studies Centre, Dr. Siti Normah Awang Tuah, the Program Coordinator, Dr. Suhaida Mohd Amin, and lecturers. The visit was also spurred on by a research initiative collaboration between UNP entourage and several business and entrepreneurship lecturers from the Faculty of Business Management.
A diverse range of engaging activities were organized as part of the dynamic visiting scholar program, namely, field trip to the AEON Bandaraya Melaka Marketing Department with the theme Exploring Effective Marketing Strategies to Enhance Branding and Sales of Local Products through Media: An Industry Perspective, research intellectual discourse with the Research, Industrial Linkages and Alumni (PJI&A) Department, and, networking with foreign universities delegates via official luncheon with the State Executive Committee Members (JKEN) of UiTM Cawangan Melaka. In addition, Dr. Vidyarini was also involved in various students’ activities such as being a jury in HR Talent Convention 2023 and Product Innovation Competition, and delivering international guest lecture series entitled Marketing Mix Strategy IV: Integrated Marketing Communication Strategy through collaborative teaching approach.
In summary, the Inbound Lecturer Exchange Program between UNP and UiTM offers numerous benefits and potential opportunities, including knowledge and expertise sharing, research collaborations, networking, enhanced teaching and learning experiences, internationalization, and strengthened institutional relations. By embracing such initiatives, both institutions can create a more vibrant academic environment and enhance their standing in the global higher education landscape. It is intended that this visit would heighten the ties between UNP and UiTM and pave the way for further research and educational collaborations between the two distinguished institutions.