Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) strengthened its international learning experience through the Aarhus Summer Programme 2026, bringing students and academics from Malaysia and Denmark together for two weeks of academic, cultural and industry-based learning.
Held from 3 to 14 August 2026 at UniKL City Campus, the edutourism programme was jointly organised by the UniKL International Office (UIO) and UniKL Business School, continuing a longstanding partnership with Business Academy Aarhus, Denmark.
The programme involved 16 students from Aarhus, 15 UniKL Business School students participating in academic sessions, and five UniKL Business School students serving as International Buddies.
Aarhus lecturers Peter Leon Beck Trasbjerg and Hans-Henrik Ebsen also joined UniKL Business School academics in conducting joint classroom sessions, giving students opportunities to exchange perspectives within an international learning environment.
The programme extended well beyond conventional classroom learning, combining academic engagement with industry exposure and experiential activities.
Participants visited UniKL Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT) in Subang, providing the international students with a closer look at UniKL’s technical and aviation education ecosystem.
They also visited UniKL Teaching Factory partner Store and Go and participated in an industrial visit to Ørsted, connecting academic learning with insights into industry practices and the evolving global business environment.
This combination of classroom learning and industry engagement reflects UniKL’s emphasis on industry-driven higher education, experiential learning and graduate readiness, while exposing students to different organisational and professional environments.
Beyond academics, the programme introduced the Danish participants to Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage.
Activities included a Kuala Lumpur city tour, as well as visits to the Federal Territory Mosque (Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan) and Batu Caves, offering participants first-hand exposure to Malaysia’s multicultural society, architecture and religious heritage.
Students also took part in an Eco-Print Workshop at the Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay, where they experienced a hands-on creative activity incorporating elements of nature, craftsmanship and environmental awareness.
For UniKL students serving as International Buddies, the programme provided another dimension of learning.
By assisting their international peers throughout the programme, the students were able to strengthen their cross-cultural communication, leadership, teamwork and intercultural competencies while developing greater confidence in engaging with people from different backgrounds.
Established in 2014, the UniKL–Aarhus Summer Programme has grown into one of UniKL’s longstanding international mobility initiatives, reaching approximately 250 students over the years.
Following a temporary suspension in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme has resumed its role in creating meaningful academic and cultural connections between UniKL and Business Academy Aarhus.
Its continued implementation reflects the importance of international academic partnerships, student mobility and global learning experiences in preparing students for increasingly interconnected workplaces and communities.
The initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through inclusive and internationally oriented learning opportunities; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through industry exposure and employability-related skills; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through sustained international academic collaboration between UniKL and Business Academy Aarhus.
