Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) continues to strengthen its internationalisation agenda through a student outbound mobility programme at the University of Mindanao (UM), Davao City, Philippines, in September 2025.
The programme brought together 24 students from UniKL Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology (UniKL MICET) and UM, providing them with valuable academic, cultural, and experiential learning beyond the classroom.
The delegation was led by Dr Nadia Razali, Director of the UniKL International Office (UIO), and accompanied by Dr Amin Safwan Alikasturi, International Partnership Coordinator at UniKL MICET. The UniKL delegation was assisted by UM’s Head of International Affairs, Ms Izza Aima Montederamos.
According to Dr Amin Safwan, the mobility programme was carefully designed to ensure a balanced exposure to academic enrichment, cultural immersion, industry insight, and environmental sustainability.
“One of the key experiential visits was to Malagos Garden Resort, a renowned eco-tourism destination in Davao. Students explored the Butterfly Sanctuary, gaining awareness of biodiversity conservation efforts while enjoying the resort’s natural landscape.
“The visit continued at the Malagos Chocolate Museum, where students participated in a hands-on chocolate-making experience, gaining insight into agro-based industries, food processing, and value-added manufacturing,” he said.
Closely related to the specialisation of UniKL MICET, a major academic highlight of the programme was a research and academic visit to the Department of Science and Technology and Halal Verification Laboratory (HVL).
The laboratory provides scientific verification services to ensure halal and non-halal compliance in accordance with Islamic standards.
The visit exposed students to practical applications of halal science, laboratory practices, and international halal verification systems, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a global leader in the halal industry and aligning with UniKL MICET’s academic strengths.
For context, Mindanao, home to the majority of Muslim Filipinos, is being developed as the Philippines’ halal hub due to its proximity to large halal markets in the region.
To further enhance cross-cultural understanding, students also visited the Davao National Museum, including the Kadayawan Tribal Village, gaining exposure to the traditions, customs, and lifestyles of Mindanao’s indigenous communities.
As part of the programme, the UniKL delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao City, where they were warmly received by Mr Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh, Consul General of Malaysia. The session provided students with valuable insights into the role of Malaysian diplomatic missions abroad, Malaysia–Philippines relations, and the importance of representing the country positively on the international stage.
“Overall, the student mobility programme at the University of Mindanao provided UniKL MICET students with valuable international exposure that enhanced their technical knowledge, cultural intelligence, communication skills, and global awareness.
“The programme also strengthened the long-standing partnership between UniKL and the University of Mindanao, paving the way for future collaboration in student exchange, research, and academic activities,” Dr Amin Safwan added.
