NEXUS opens new horizons for UM engineering students
Twenty-three students from Universiti Malaya recently completed a week-long international experience in East Java through the inaugural NEXUS Mobility 2025 programme, hosted by Universitas Brawijaya (UB) in Malang, Indonesia.
Organised by Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah Residential College, the NEXUS programme, short for Network for Engineers, Cross-cultural Understanding and Student Mobility, was developed to offer students meaningful academic and cultural exposure beyond the classroom. This initiative brought together 20 students from UM’s Faculty of Engineering, three students from other faculties, and three accompanying members of the college management team.
The programme’s objectives were clear: to strengthen engineering knowledge, foster cross-cultural understanding, and build long-term academic ties between UM and its regional partners. Support from the Faculty of Engineering made the mobility experience possible, reaffirming UM’s commitment to internationalisation and student development.
One of the key facilitators of the programme was Dr. Mohd Izzudin Izzat bin Zainal Abidin, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering. He served as the main liaison between both institutions and ensured smooth coordination from planning to execution.
“This programme gave our students more than just technical knowledge. It offered them the chance to navigate new environments, connect with peers from another culture, and grow as future professionals,” said Dr. Izzudin. “We are proud to have built a foundation that will support future collaborations between our universities.”
Throughout the week, participants engaged in various academic and industrial activities. They attended a joint sharing session between lecturers from UM and UB, focusing on current research in interactive AI and AI-assisted medical diagnostics. Students also toured UB’s engineering laboratories, gaining insights into local research approaches and teaching facilities.
In addition to academic sessions, the programme included visits to several key sites. At Perum Jasa Tirta I, Indonesia’s leading water resource management agency, students were introduced to the company’s operations in dam control, flood mitigation, irrigation and clean water distribution. The group also had the opportunity to observe real-time monitoring systems used to manage water levels across river basins.
Cultural learning formed a central part of the NEXUS experience. Students participated in a batik-making workshop with local artisans, explored sustainable food practices at WES Batu, and visited a honeybee farm. These hands-on experiences deepened their understanding of local heritage and environmental sustainability.
A highlight of the programme was a midnight journey to Mount Bromo, where students and their UB counterparts watched the sunrise together after a long jeep ride. For many, the trip was not only visually stunning but also a moment of shared reflection and connection.
According to Aqmmal Faiiz bin Ali Shaiffudin, student director of the programme, the aim was to create a well-rounded and memorable learning journey. “We wanted to design a programme that balanced academic value with cultural appreciation. What we brought home were new insights, stronger friendships, and a renewed motivation to learn,” he said.
As UM continues to build its international profile, the success of NEXUS Mobility 2025 demonstrates the value of regional engagement in higher education. The experience has set the stage for future exchanges, research collaborations and joint student initiatives between Universiti Malaya and Universitas Brawijaya.
The NEXUS programme proves that learning can take many forms, and sometimes, the most lasting lessons come from simply stepping into a different part of the world.
Further details about the program may be acquired from Dr. Mohd Izzudin Izzat bin Zainal Abidin, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, at izzudinizzat@um.edu.my