From 24 to 27 March 2025, 19 School of Engineering (SEG) students and 2 lecturers embarked on an enriching International Service-Learning (ISLP) trip to Batam, Indonesia. Guided by student leaders Muhammad Luthfil Hady Bin Mohd Sharul from the Diploma in Business Processes & Engineering Management and Anil Raj, Diploma in Engineering Design & Business. The team worked closely with the local community at “Little Angel Miftahul Huda Teluk Lengung” to conduct workshops and build infrastructure that would benefit the school and its students.
The ISLP aimed to nurture cross-cultural understanding, teamwork, and leadership, while giving students the opportunity to apply their engineering skills in real-world settings. Activities were carefully designed to balance both educational engagement with children and hands-on construction work.
The workshops included interactive games such as I Spy with My Little Eye, origami folding, charades, Build a Tower!, and the Blindfolded Maze. These activities strengthened the children’s motor and cognitive skills, teamwork, and creativity. The sessions were filled with enthusiasm and joy, leaving a lasting impact on both the participants and the facilitators.
In parallel, the infrastructure project focused on constructing an outdoor shelter paranet. Students learnt practical skills such as site surveying, cutting and installing metal bars, painting poles for durability, and sewing the paranet fabric. Despite challenges, including late-night sewing sessions, the team successfully completed the structure with guidance from local experts and school staff.
Cultural exchange was also a highlight of the trip, as the Yayasan Dunia Viva Wanita (YDVW) introduced Indonesian traditional costumes, offering students a deeper appreciation of the local heritage.
The programme concluded with a heartfelt appreciation ceremony, featuring prize presentations, gift exchanges, and warm farewells. Reflecting on the journey, students expressed gratitude for the friendships formed, the lessons learnt, and the chance to make a positive contribution to the community. Special thanks were extended to the local guide Pak Dian, the teachers of Little Angel Miftahul Huda Teluk Lengung, and the lecturers Miss Diana and Mr Chew, whose support made the experience possible.