In alignment with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (UNIMAS) vision of global engagement and intercultural collaboration, the Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development (FCSHD) hosted an International Inbound Mobility Programme on 27 May 2025. This initiative was held in conjunction with the International Resilience Symposium 2025 (IReS’25), themed “Building Resilience in the Community.”
The programme brought together delegates from Universitas Islam Negeri Mahmud Yunus Batu Sangkar, Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau, and Universiti Brunei Darussalam. The gathering reflected FCSHD’s commitment to fostering academic dialogue across borders, promoting cultural understanding, and enhancing shared learning among institutions in the region.
Central to the programme was a Global Classroom session led by Professor Dr Silvianetri M. Pd. Kons., which explored counselling and psychological practices in varying cultural contexts. This academic engagement provided a comparative lens through which students and faculty could reflect on local practices while gaining insight into regional approaches to mental health, resilience, and education. The dialogue that followed underscored the value of international perspectives in enriching classroom learning and professional development.
Cultural exchange was an integral element of the programme. The event featured student-led performances by FCSHD’s cultural groups, including BAKAT, PERAMAH, and Counselling students. A notable moment was the contribution from the Indonesian delegation, whose performance extended a gesture of cultural diplomacy and deepened the shared sense of regional identity. These performances were not only artistic in nature but also pedagogical, providing opportunities for experiential learning and inter-group dialogue.
The presence of university leadership, including the Vice Chancellor of UNIMAS, the Dean and Deputy Deans of FCSHD, and IReS’25 committee members, highlighted the institutional support for such initiatives. The programme also exemplified the active involvement of student bodies such as Persatuan Mahasiswa FCSHD and PERAMAH, demonstrating how student-led participation enhances the inclusivity and success of international academic events.
By integrating academic discussion with cultural interaction, the International Inbound Mobility Programme contributed meaningfully to the broader objectives of IReS’25. It not only facilitated the exchange of ideas and practices but also strengthened institutional partnerships and provided a platform for reflective and experiential learning.
This initiative affirms FCSHD’s role as a regional hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting resilience through education and preparing students to engage confidently and ethically in diverse global contexts.
Contributed by Harseetha Sholan/Persatuan Mahasiwa FSKPM