INDONESIA, 20th June 2023 – A group of 10 students and three lecturers from the Faculty of Accountancy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, recently concluded a highly successful seven-day academic visit to the Faculty of Economics, Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang (UNSIKA). The visit, which took place from 29 May to 4 June 2023, was filled with engaging programs and fruitful collaborations.
Led by Assoc. Prof. Tuan Zainun Tuan Mat (Deputy Dean – Academic Affairs), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fadzlina Fahmi (Program Head – Management Accounting and Finance), and Dr. Seri Ayu Masuri Md Daud (Resource Person – Integrated Case Study (MAF671) course), the UiTM delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr. Kusrin, Vice Rector (Academic Affairs) of UNSIKA. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Hawignyo, Dean of the Faculty of Economics at UNSIKA, along with deputy deans, lecturers, and students from the faculty.
The academic visit aimed to foster international collaborations and exchange knowledge between the two higher educational institutions. Throughout the week, the UiTM delegation actively engaged in four impactful programs, leaving a lasting impression on the faculty and students of UNSIKA.
One of the highlights of the visit was the SULAM (MAF671) project, in collaboration with Semprong Amoundy, a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Karawang. The participating students (10 from UiTM and 25 from UNSIKA) showcased their expertise and creativity in accounting and financial management, presenting innovative solutions to real-world business challenges. Their efforts were commended by the SME owner-managers and faculty members, enhancing the reputation of UiTM and UNSIKA as respected educational institutions.
While the SULAM project with Semprong Amoundy was ongoing, UiTM delegates received an unexpected visit from Mrs. Dian, the owner-manager of Mille Crepes Sinok, Karawang. Mrs. Dian had previously participated in the virtual UiTM-UNSIKA SULAM project earlier in 2023. She expressed great enthusiasm in sharing the significant advantages her business had gained from the recommendations offered by the participating students. She emphasized that acquiring similar advisory services from a professional consultant would have incurred significant expenses for her enterprise.
On the final day of the SULAM project, Dr. Hawignyo, delightfully announced that the SULAM activities ran exceptionally well and achieved remarkable success. “Our students wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to apply their accounting and management technical knowledge and skills to real-world situations, working closely with local community. Through their active engagement, they not only gained invaluable practical experience but also fostered strong relationships with the people they served. This SULAM project exemplifies the power of collaboration, experiential learning, and community engagement.”
In addition to the SULAM project, the UiTM delegation and their UNSIKA colleagues embarked on an insightful industrial visit to PT Kayaba, Karawang. This visit provided an opportunity for the students to witness firsthand the operations and management practices of a renowned company. By observing industrial processes and interacting with industry professionals, the students gained invaluable insights into the practical applications of their academic knowledge.
Committed to making a positive impact in the local community, the UiTM delegation also engaged in volunteerism activities at Rumah Harapan, Karawang. This initiative showcased the compassionate side of the students and lecturers, as they dedicated their time and efforts to helping those in need. The visit to Rumah Harapan served as a reminder of the importance of social responsibility and left a profound impact on the hearts of the UiTM delegation.
Furthermore, the visit also included research and postgraduate program promotional talks at the Faculty of Economy, UNSIKA. The UiTM lecturers shared their expertise and research findings, sparking intellectual discussions and inspiring the faculty members and students at UNSIKA. The talks further strengthened the academic ties between the two institutions, paving the way for future collaborations in research and postgraduate programs.
Speaking about the academic visit, Assoc. Prof. Tuan Zainun Tuan Mat expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and the enriching experiences at UNSIKA. “This visit has been an incredible opportunity for our students to broaden their horizons, gain exposure to different cultures, and exchange knowledge with their counterparts at UNSIKA. We are thrilled to have been able to collaborate with such a prestigious institution and hope to strengthen these ties in the future,” she said.
In his concluding speech, Dr Hawignyo expressed his sincere hope that this successful collaboration between UiTM and UNSIKA serves as a stepping stone for more collaborative activities in the future. “It is my belief that our partnership should extend beyond the realms of academia and into the realm of research and more,” he remarked.
The visit to UNSIKA has undoubtedly been a resounding success for the Faculty of Accountancy, UiTM Cawangan Selangor. The collaborative programs and engaging interactions have not only enhanced the students’ academic growth but have also contributed to the development of enduring partnerships between the two institutions. Such academic visits serve as a testament to the commitment of UiTM and UNSIKA in fostering global educational collaborations and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
As the UiTM delegation bid farewell to their newfound friends at UNSIKA, they left with cherished memories, expanded perspectives, and an invigorated spirit to continue their pursuit of academic excellence and international collaborations.