Riau & Payakumbuh, Indonesia, 12–14 May 2026 – A delegation from the Faculty of Human Ecology (FEM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), comprising the Deputy Dean and two faculty representatives, conducted a series of academic internationalisation programmes in Pekanbaru and Payakumbuh, Indonesia. The programmes included seminars with senior high school (SMA) and junior high school (SMP) students, as well as engagement sessions with local university representatives. The delegation, led by Associate Professor Dr. Hanina Halimatusaadiah Hamsan, Deputy Dean (Research & Innovation), delivered the Seminar on Self-Excellence Guidance to students at the International Program Insan Cendekia Boarding School Riau (IP-ICBS Riau) and Insan Cendekia Boarding School Payakumbuh (ICBS Payakumbuh). The seminar aimed to inspire and guide students in recognising their potential, strengthening self-confidence, and planning their future pathways, particularly in selecting suitable fields of study after completing their schooling. Both schools were also presented with certificates of participation for their involvement in the research project entitled “Psychosocial Factors Influence Choice of Study Destination Potential International Students to Study in Malaysia”, led by Associate Professor Dr. Hanina Halimatusaadiah Hamsan as the project leader. Certificates of appreciation were additionally awarded to ICBS Payakumbuh students who participated as informants in the study, in recognition of their valuable contributions towards the success of the research. The FEM delegation also extended a courtesy visit to Universitas Andalas (UNAND) Campus 2 Payakumbuh. Besides strengthening the cordial relationship between the two institutions, the visit created opportunities for closer communication, fostered the spirit of collaboration in academic and socio-cultural fields, and laid the foundation for sustainable networking in the future. Discussions during the meeting also explored potential collaborations in student mobility programmes, research grant sharing, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that could benefit local communities in both countries. This initiative is expected to continue consistently in the future, reflecting FEM UPM’s commitment to expanding regional academic networks, strengthening international collaboration, and continuously contributing to community development through quality and inclusive education. News by: Mohd Nizam Bin Abdul Aziz Photography by: Ida Rahayu Ruslaini

Date of Input: 27/05/2026 | Updated: 04/06/2026 | adlinnorazam