Kamarul Adha Mardan was selected to be the participant Institute for Innovative Global Education (IIGE) 21st Century Skills Program by Kansai University, Japan. It was a 3-week program which took place from 7th to 28th March 2022. Adha, 23, was selected among hundreds of nominees from universities worldwide with multiple backgrounds. He is currently majoring in Intelligent Systems Engineering at the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA. The program aims to develop a ‘Global Career Mindset’, by training imaginative and skilled personnel to join as active members of a global society.

The virtual classes were led by Profe Suzanne Orzech, from the United States, who is one of the instructors for the program. Alongside her was the moderator for each session which was Madam Rishma Hansil as well as the Vice-President of the entire program, Dr. Keiko Ikeda.

According to Adha , the tasks in the program tested the participants’ skills in teamwork, creativity, presentation, and character strengths. Some assignments required students to write and respond based on the questions, some were giving their opinions and thoughts regarding a video, and sending in responses in the provided forum for the students to interact with each other. The participants also had to work collaboratively across different time zone to complete group task.

Adha who was born and bred in Klang, said that his family is his support system through out the program. They strongly encouraged him to participate and enjoy the entire learning process in the program. He added that his Final Year Project supervisor , Dr Shamimi Abdul Halim played role in helping him to stay motivated in this program.

The program gave an eye-opening and memorable experience for Adha. FSKM and UiTM encourages students to participate in global programs as a medium to learn from different regions of the world and understand their culture. It prepares the student to join the global society as well as building better resilience.