UK-MUC Student Conference 2023
Inaugural Student Conference: Intercultural Perspectives on Sustainable Development and Equality in Higher Education
Dates: Monday 17 July to Friday 21 July 2023
Venue: Universiti Malaya
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
About the Conference
In July 2023, over eighty students from the UK and Malaysia came together in Kuala Lumpur to discuss issues and identify solutions based around United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Equality in Higher Education.
Through a mixture of guest lectures, hands on workshops and cultural activities, undergraduate students developed their knowledge of sustainable development and built friendships and international networks.
Photo credit: Joe Carter, University of Gloucestershire
The conference offered remarkable insights through its panel sessions and sharing. It was inspiring to hear from experts and passionate individuals working towards positive change in various fields.
Above all, the connections made were the true gems of the event. I’m grateful to have met and befriended so many like-minded young people from different backgrounds.
The power of unity and shared dreams was evident throughout the conference!
Cathryn, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
COIL Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Challenge, ESD and Reflective Learning: Associate Prof. Dr. Wan Zuhainis Saad (UPM)
Reflective learning is a crucial aspect of a university education, both in the UK and Malaysia. By reflecting on what we have learned, we can enhance our understanding and develop new perspectives. The COIL SDG challenge encouraged students to apply what they learnt in class and translate it into innovation to solve current problems.
In groups, students:
- identified real-life issues related to 21st Century Global Challenges
- proposed solutions to solve the issues
- included specific SDG goals to be achieved
- developed a mock-up on the proposed prototype and pitched solutions to a judging panel
- worked collaboratively and trans-disciplinary.
Buddy Scheme and Intercultural Communication: Associate Prof. Dr. Abdul Latiff Bin Ahmad (UKM)
Intercultural communication plays a pivotal role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but fostering global understanding and collaboration among diverse cultures.
Specifically, it facilitates the exchange of ideas, knowledge and perspectives essential for addressing cross-cultural challenges such as poverty, gender inequality, and environmental degradation.
By understanding diverse perspectives and fostering open dialogue, students worked collectively towards achieving the SDGs.
The Buddy programme organised by Abdul Latiff Ahmad was a dynamic and immersive chance for us to relax into a new context and connect deeply with students from different backgrounds.
It allowed me to value the power that intercultural exchanges have in enhancing cultural understanding and the importance of going beyond our differences to work collaboratively toward a common goal.
Lara, Bournemouth University
Global culture poster competition
Students collaborated to craft a poster called Global Culture, engaging in asynchronous teamwork as they coordinated with their peers and allowed their imaginations to run wild while crafting their own designs.
Conference Programme
17 July 2023:
9am: Registration
10am: Buddy meet up
10.30am: Opening ceremony
1.30pm: SDG Challenge session
3.30pm: Wellbeing workshop
18 July 2023:
9am: Wellbeing session
10am: Guest lecture
10.30am: Buddy scheme
1.30pm: Skills workshop 1
3.30pm: SDG Challenge session
19 July 2023:
9am to 12.30pm: Cultural programme
1.30pm to 5pm: Cultural programme
20 July 2023:
9am: Wellbeing session
10am: Skills workshop 2
10.30am: Buddy scheme
1.30pm: Employability session: Guest lecture/local business visit
4pm: SDG Challenge session
21 July 2023:
9am: Wellbeing session
10am: Buddy scheme and poster presentation
1.30pm: SDG Challenge pitch presentation
5pm: Closing ceremony
To find out more, read the Special Conference Issue of our Newsletter.
