Written by Dr Khalid Zanudin
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) recently launched an international academic mobility initiative, The Global Mosaic: UI x UNIMAS, which took place from 5 to 11 May 2025 in collaboration with the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Universitas Indonesia (UI). A total of 24 students and 6 lecturers from the Development Planning and Management Programme participated in this week-long immersive program designed to foster intercultural learning, academic collaboration, and meaningful connections.
The program began with a warm welcome at Universitas Indonesia, setting the stage for a vibrant exchange of cultures, ideas, and experiences. Rooted in the spirit of unity and inclusivity, the Global Mosaic aims to promote open-mindedness, deepen cultural understanding, and build lasting friendships among students across borders. This initiative reflects FSSH’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a regional hub for global academic engagement and transformative education.
A key highlight of the program was the Academic Dialogue between FSSH lecturers and the Dean of FISIP, Prof. Dr. Semiarto Aji Purwanto, along with his management team. This dialogue provided a platform to explore future collaboration opportunities between FSSH and FISIP, including joint research initiatives, co-authored publications, matching grants, and other scholarly partnerships. The conversation underscored the shared commitment of both faculties to enhancing academic synergy and strengthening global institutional ties.
The program also included a Joint Lecture Session, which brought together students from both institutions to deepen their understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from comparative regional and academic perspectives. Delivered by Dr. Farah Zaini from FSSH and Dr. Getar Hati from FISIP, the session enriched students’ knowledge and stimulated critical thinking about CSR practices and their socio-economic implications.
Beyond the classroom, lecturers from the Development Planning and Management Programme visited Bank Sampah Gunung Emas in Jakarta Timur on 8 May 2025. Welcomed by Ibu Vera Novita, the founder of this pioneering community-led waste bank initiative, the visit highlighted how simple ideas can drive transformative environmental and economic change. What began as a grassroots movement to encourage waste collection and recycling has evolved into a model for sustainable financial empowerment. The visit offered valuable insights into community-based innovation and demonstrated how universities can engage with local solutions to address global sustainability challenges.
In the spirit of camaraderie and experiential learning, the program continued with Diskusi Bareng UI, an interactive dialogue where students from UNIMAS and UI discussed key social issues in Malaysia and Indonesia, including education, environmental conservation, community development, and youth activism. This peer-led session empowered students to reflect on their roles in creating positive change and fostered a sense of shared responsibility across national borders.
The mobility program culminated in a vibrant celebration during Malam Rumpun Budaya, where FSSH students showcased Malaysian cultural performances. The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural expression in bridging communities and building mutual respect.
Through The Global Mosaic, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities reaffirms its role as a catalyst for academic diplomacy, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship. This program marks another milestone in FSSH’s pursuit of impactful academic mobility and collaborative international engagement.
FSSH – A partner for Social Change