UPM Bintulu campus to hold International Summer School programme

BINTULU: Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus (UPMKB) will be holding the International Summer School 2018 programme from Oct 20 to Nov 4.

Programme secretariat coordinator Fakhzan Buang said it is a casual and non- examination- oriented academic programme that usually runs within a period of two to four weeks, depending on the module and programme package.

“The summer school programme is seen as a learning medium through cultural experiences, youth development activities, academic exchange as well as workshops that focus on one’s soft skills. In general, this annual programme is designed to enhance the quality of international learning atmosphere and the development of globally recognised research,” he said.

He added the participation of international students in the summer school programme can also enhance the ranking of the university and create more collaboration in various fields of expertise.

This programme is jointly organised by UPMKB and the Chief Minister’s Office ( Integrity and Ombudsman).

Participation is open to any international student studying abroad or at any local university.

In line with the motto ‘ Diversity in Academia, Culture & Agriculture’, Fakhzan said the programme introduces various aspects of culture, agriculture, academia and leadership skills through activities that include academic visits, workshops and forums which encourage teamwork among participants and provide them with a rich cultural experience.

This programme also serves to promote UPM internationally as it will involve participants from other countries.

“The International Summer School 2018 aims to enhance co- operational ties between universities in Borneo, develop leadership skills among participants, promote Sarawak’s traditions and culture, and encourage participants to be actively involved in beneficial activities,” he said.

According to him, throughout the programme, participants will be introduced to Sarawak’s cultural heritage as well as to various prospects and aspects of career and culture; encouraged to form networks and collaborations that establish and build upon cultural, research and expertise exchange; and be guided towards becoming role models for the youth.

There are several short- and long-term benefits of this programme for both the participants and UPMKB.

“This programme provides a platform for UPMKB to disseminate knowledge on agriculture while, at the same time, introduce the cultures and traditional lifestyles of communities in Sarawak to the world,” Fakhzan said.

In addition, he said participants of the programme will also learn of the agricultural practices and economic activities of the people of Sarawak, while experiencing the state’s cultural and natural heritage.

The activities planned for the International Summer School 2018 are also designed to teach new and specific skills, build self- confidence, foster leadership skills and values, enhance decisionmaking skills, promote entrepreneurship, encourage global communications, and encourage collaborations between the participants. This programme will also introduce UPMKB as a top destination for postgraduate studies and attract potential students from all over the world, he added.

“In the long term, this will make the campus one of the most popular destinations for higher education in the Asian region and one of the top-ranking institutions of higher learning in terms of employability.”

For more information, contact the head of secretariat on086- 855289 or email carolyne@ upm.edu.my.