On 7 December 2023, a webinar took place featuring Mr. Muzaffar bin Zoher, the Assistant Manager of Geopark Discovery Centre Tourism Division from the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA). This event was a collaboration between LADA and the final semester postgraduate students from the Master in Office Systems Management (BA7753A) program at UiTM Shah Alam Branch, including four international students from Indonesia. The webinar aimed to present the topic “Kilim Geoforest Park Langkawi: A Journey through Nature, Culture, and Sustainable Development”.
The significance of this program was evident from the broad participation it garnered. Notably, the BBA (Hons) International Business students from part 5 of UiTM Puncak Alam also attended the webinar, making it even more diverse. With over 100 attendees, this event provided an excellent platform for students to engage in discussions and gain valuable insights.
Under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Nor Lelawati Jamaludin, the students took the lead in organizing and executing this webinar. It was a testament to their dedication and commitment toward enhancing their learning experience. By collaborating with industry professionals such as Mr. Muzaffar bin Zoher, the students had a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge beyond traditional classroom settings.
The presentation itself shed light on the Kilim Geoforest Park Langkawi, which encompasses the intertwining factors of nature, culture, and sustainable development. Mr. Muzaffar bin Zoher shared his expertise and experiences, enlightening the attendees about the importance of conserving the Geoforest Park while simultaneously harnessing its potential for tourism.
Following the webinar, an assessment session was held to evaluate the innovation projects undertaken by the students. Assessors included Mr. Muzaffar bin Zoher from LADA Langkawi, Dr. Siti Salwa Isa and En Abu Ali from the School of Creative Arts at UiTM Shah Alam, and Professor Dr. Martina Maria Keitsch from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway. This panel of experts ensured a comprehensive evaluation process, providing valuable feedback for the students’ projects.
The involvement of industry professionals and renowned academics in the assessment panel reflected the significance of the students’ innovation projects. These projects aimed to address various issues related to the Kilim Geoforest Park, ranging from sustainability initiatives to cultural preservation efforts. With the guidance and expertise of the assessors, the students were able to refine their projects and gain a deeper understanding of the practical aspects of their chosen topics.
Mr Muzaffar Zoher, a key figure in the Kilim Geoforest Park sustainability effort, praised the students for their innovative projects and emphasized the importance of involving the youth in shaping sustainable environmental management strategies. “The enthusiasm and fresh perspectives brought by the students are invaluable. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow but are actively contributing to shaping a more sustainable future today,” he commented.
Overall, the student involvement in the spectacular webinar on Kilim Geoforest Park Langkawi displayed the potential and capabilities of these future leaders. Through their dedication, teamwork, and collaboration with industry professionals, the students showcased their ability to engage and contribute meaningfully to the field of sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. The event served as a stepping stone for their future endeavours, fostering a passion for environmental conservation and sustainable development.
As the event comes to an end, the student-led sustainability projects will leave a long-lasting impact, inspiring future generations to actively address these issues. The collaboration between academia, industry and students acts as a ray of hope, showing that sustainable development lies in the hands of the inheritors of the planet.
This initiative aims to foster an academic environment that embraces the changing landscape of higher education. It advocates for innovative teaching methods that strengthen education’s resilience, shaping the minds of tomorrow. The knowledge shared, connections formed, and memories made during this event are set to have a lasting influence on students. This will drive them to make greater contributions to the field of global strategy in relation to sustainability management.
Consequently, the highlighted program stands as a commendable initiative, propelling the Faculty of Business and Management, College of Creative Arts, and UiTM forward, elevating their visibility and impact.
By:
Associate Professor Dr Nor Lelawati Jamaludin
Dr Siti Salwa Isa
Encik Abu Ali