Students from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and Universitas Pakuan (UNPAK) came together for a memorable bonding experience through a hiking expedition to Bukit Lambak, Kluang. This adventure provided a unique opportunity for students to connect with nature, foster friendships, enhance teamwork, and develop a tightly-knit community among the participants from both universities. In the afternoon, it marked the first meeting with Prof. Talib Bin Bon, and lunch at the café was an enriching and pleasant experience.

IE OM Student Chapter-  UT HM:  Hanis ah, Arai,  Faizah,  Asyraf

 Wednesday - 22/11/2023

We were guided by UTHM students to visit the largest library in South East Asia, called "Perpustakaan Tunku Tun Aminah," since May 2010. Our visit to the Tunku Tun Aminah Library was a delightful and enriching experience. UTHM has opened a branch library which is situated at the town campus. For now, Tunku Tun Aminah Library is a 5-storey building with a floor area of 16,000 square meters. It is so big that it could accommodate at least 3,000 users. Besides that, this library can fill as many as 300,000 volumes. As for now, UTHM library holds more than 182,000 copies of reference books in various fields, 8,000 titles of thesis, 150 titles of printed journals, 180 titles of electronic journals, 40 titles of magazines, and 22,000 copies of audio-visual materials.

Navigating through the well-organized sections, we discovered a treasure trove of information that ranged from classic literature to cutting-edge research. The library's commitment to digital resources was evident, with computer terminals and online databases providing a contemporary touch to traditional scholarship. The ambiance of the Tunku Tun Aminah Library facilitated a conducive atmosphere for studying, research, and collaborative learning. Comfortable reading nooks, study pods, and group discussion areas offered flexibility for individuals and groups to engage in academic pursuits.

The dedicated library staff added to the positive experience, offering assistance with resource location and providing valuable insights into the library's extensive collection. Their commitment to supporting the academic journey of visitors enhanced the overall visit, making it not just a stop for information but a place of intellectual growth and exploration.

Before we went to Azhar Food Industry visit, we had lunch with a student from UTHM and Prof. Talib, which was a valuable extension of the educational journey. It blurred the lines between the roles of teacher and student, creating an environment where knowledge could be exchanged freely, and the mentor-student relationship could evolve into a partnership of mutual growth and understanding.

Next, we visited Azhar Food Supplier, a local business located in Batu Pahat. Azhar Food Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. is a company that produces various types of snacks. This company was established in 2000 under the private name of Azhar bin Rasnan. The vision of this company is to introduce its products more widely. The company's mission is to expand the product market throughout the country and abroad.

The objective of this company is to respond to the Prime Minister's call, develop capital as a center of attraction and sales crops, meet the high demand in the agricultural structure, and obtain crop production at the necessary time to avoid wasteful or inadequate products. In 2005, this company was registered under the name Azhar Food Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., marking the continuity between Azhar Food and manufacturing. The company's factory attracts public attention due to its strategic location along the main road of Rengit, Batu Pahat, Johor.

In 2011, the company expanded its branch in Bandar Baru Uda, Johor Bahru, which also attracted the attention of local residents. By 2014, Azhar Food began exporting products such as salted potato chips, BBQ chips, and curry potato chips to Yorker Supermarket in Taiwan, marking Taiwan as the first foreign country to receive products from Azhar Food Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd.

Azhar Food Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. employs a functional organization structure, meaning that work is grouped according to respective functions for efficiency in organizing employees with similar expertise and skills. This coordination within functional areas enhances operational effectiveness.

In the evening, we enjoyed our last dinner together, uniting students from UNPAK (Universitas Pakuan) and UTHM (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia). It was a remarkable celebration of friendship, cultural exchange, and shared experiences. The ambiance was charged with vibrant energy as this diverse group of students gathered for an evening of connection.

Lecturers from Pakuan University:

• Henny Suharyati - Dean of the Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences
• Retno Martanti Endah Lestari - Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs from the Faculty of Economics and Business
• Muslim - Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs from the Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences

 Thursday-  23/11/2023

We were visiting Multimedia University; our trip to the Faculty of Business at Multimedia University (MMU) in Malaysia was a great innovation for collaboration between UNPAK (Universitas Pakuan) lecturers and students. The purposeful meeting, initially aimed at exploring academic exchange opportunities, evolved into an exciting plan for beneficial lectures.

The result of this visit was a well-thought-out plan for a lecture exchange program. UNPAK and MMU lecturers would share their expertise, enriching the academic experience for students on both sides. This collaboration aimed to create a two-way flow of knowledge and ideas. The atmosphere during our visit was filled with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to educational excellence. The potential collaboration between UNPAK and MMU opened doors to a new era of international cooperation, promising mutual growth and understanding among academic communities.

Our visit to the Faculty of Business (FOB) at MMU yielded remarkable results, notably securing the 3rd International Student Engagement and Exchange Program (ISeEP). The journey began with an exploration of collaborative opportunities and culminated in an achievement that showcased the strength of our partnership.

Leaving MMU, we carried the spirit of collaboration with us, excited about the future possibilities this partnership held. The exchange of beneficial lectures showcased the power of connecting minds globally, laying the foundation for a dynamic and enriching academic relationship between UNPAK and MMU. The chance to engage in discussions with students from the Faculty of Business (FOB) at MMU and Dr. Ariel King was a truly enriching experience. The setting was dynamic, with an atmosphere buzzing with intellectual curiosity and a shared passion for business-related topics.

Friday - 24/11/2023

Our visit to  Prince of Songkhla University  in Thailand,  as we explored the campus,  we were immersed  in a blend  of modern infrastructure  and  traditional  Thai  architectural  charm.  The university's  commitment  to  fostering  a dynamic   learning environment  was evident  in  its  state-of-the-art  facilities  and  a diverse  range  of academic  disciplines.  Engaging  with students and  faculty  at  Prince  of  Songkhla  University  provided  a  unique   opportunity  for  cultural  exchange  and intellectual exploration.

One of the  must-do  things  on visiting  Thailand  is  temples.  It  is  a country  rich  in  history  and culture,  and its  temples,  or "wats. These sacred  spaces  are  places  of worship  and  also serve  as  important cultural and  architectural  landmarks. Visitors to Thailand can expect to find  various temples with  unique styles and histories.

Next is our cultural journey to Thailand's Temple  Municipal  Park, where tradition and tranquility converge  in a harmonious embrace. Nestled amidst lush landscapes, this enchanting park serves as a gateway to the rich tapestry of Thai heritage. Located  7km northeast of Hat Yai, this  huge, green oasis of hilly,  landscaped  gardens  is  home to  several stunning temples, an observatory, southern  Thailand's  tallest  Golden  Buddha,  a boating  lake - complete with  artificial waterfall  - cafes  and food  stalls,  and a network  of  cycling  routes.  Spending  a day breathing  in  the fresh  air,  exploring the  temples,  riding  the cable car and taking in the spectacular views is a great escape from the often stifling atmosphere of Hat Yai.