Engineering students from Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) took their classroom learning across borders through a Short Mobility Exchange Programme at Can Tho University (CTU), Vietnam, from 10 to 16 August 2026.
Representing UniKL Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology (UniKL MICET) and UniKL Malaysian France Institute (UniKL MFI), the students spent seven days exploring how engineering knowledge is taught, researched and applied in the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.
Bringing together Chemical, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering disciplines, the programme provided an international learning environment where students could exchange ideas, experience different engineering facilities and gain new perspectives on real-world technological challenges.
The UniKL delegation participated in research seminars, laboratory visits, interactive academic sessions, campus activities and cultural exchanges alongside their counterparts at Can Tho University.
Among the programme highlights was a joint research seminar featuring presentations by academics and researchers from both universities.
UniKL MICET PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering, Puteri Nurain Syahirah Megat Muhammad Kamal, also presented her doctoral research, providing an opportunity for postgraduate research exchange and academic discussion in an international setting.
Participants visited Can Tho University’s Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Electrical Engineering, and Electronics and Telecommunications laboratories.
For UniKL MICET’s Chemical Engineering students, the programme offered insights into engineering applications within Vietnam’s expanding agro-based and manufacturing sectors.
Meanwhile, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering students from UniKL MFI gained exposure to technologies and research facilities related to UAV systems, electrical engineering, electronics and automation.
For UniKL MFI Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering student Nurin Qistina Hasrizal, experiencing engineering education in another country brought a new dimension to her studies.
“Seeing how engineering is taught and applied in Vietnam gave me a fresh perspective on my own studies. The laboratory visits and seminars reminded me why I chose this field: to learn, to solve problems and to keep growing,” she said.
The delegation was led by UniKL MICET International Partnership Coordinator Dr. Amin Safwan Alikasturi, alongside Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Md Redzuan Zoolfakar of UniKL Malaysian Institute of Marine Engineering Technology (UniKL MIMET), Dr. Mohd Razealy Anuar of UniKL MICET and Wan Nazhan Wan Hamdi of UniKL Chancellery.
Dr. Amin said the mobility programme demonstrated how international academic engagement could create connections extending beyond the duration of the visit.
“This programme was about building bridges between disciplines, institutions and nations. I believe the connections gained here will inspire future collaborations between UniKL and Can Tho University,” he said.
Representatives from Can Tho University’s College of Engineering hosted the delegation, including its Dean, Dr Nguyen Van Cuong; Mechanical Engineering lecturer and Assistant Director of External Relations and Global Education, Dr Nguyen Hoai Tan; and Faculty of Industrial Management lecturer, Tran Huynh Phuong Thy.
The collaboration between UniKL and Can Tho University provides a foundation for further opportunities in student exchange, joint research, academic mobility and innovation, while strengthening UniKL’s international academic network and global visibility.
The initiative contributes particularly to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, through inclusive international and experiential learning; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through engineering, technology and research exposure; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by strengthening cross-border academic and research collaboration between Malaysia and Vietnam.
