USM–UIN AR-RANIRY COLLABORATION: STUDENTS ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY AND GAIN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES IN KAMPUNG KUALA MENGKUANG
The School of Humanities (PPIK), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), continues to strengthen its internationalisation and community engagement agenda through the 2026 Community Service and International Mobility Programme held in Kampung Kuala Mengkuang, Bukit Mertajam.
The programme, initiated through a strategic collaboration between the Islamic Studies Division, PPIK USM, and the Faculty of Da’wah and Communication, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Ar-Raniry, Banda Aceh, brought together academic mobility, Service-Learning Malaysia (SULAM) and university social responsibility components in an effort to develop globally minded students who are socially conscious and engaged with the community.
The programme began with an introductory session and the handover of UIN Ar-Raniry students to their host families at the Kampung Kuala Mengkuang Hall. Staying with host families provided participants with an opportunity to experience local culture and gain first-hand insight into the lives of rural communities in Malaysia.
Throughout the programme, participants took part in various academic and field-based activities designed to broaden their learning experiences. These included a teaching experience programme at the KAFA Class of Sekolah Rendah Agama Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq, Guar Perahu, which enabled the students to share their knowledge while gaining an understanding of Islamic education approaches at the grassroots level.
To strengthen cross-border knowledge and the exchange of Islamic education practices, participants also undertook an academic visit to Sekolah Rendah Islam Bahrul Ulum (SRIBU), Kubang Semang. The visit provided an opportunity for discussions on teaching and learning methods as well as the management of Islamic educational institutions.
As part of efforts to provide participants with holistic exposure, the programme also included an educational visit to the CIAST Satellite Campus, Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILP) Kepala Batas. The visit provided insights into developments in digital technology and Generative AI, in line with current educational needs and the global technological revolution.
As part of the community service component, participants took part in knowledge-sharing sessions on mosque activities and welfare initiatives with the local community. The programme also featured the presentation of food baskets to senior citizens, host families and members of the MADANI Community at Masjid Ittifaqiyyah, reflecting social concern and the spirit of volunteerism fostered by USM.
To strengthen bonds between participants and the local community, various recreational activities were also organised. These included an archery activity with the Kuala Mengkuang Archery Club (KMAC), which successfully fostered teamwork, friendship and mutual understanding between the international participants and village residents.
Participants also had the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Kampung Kuala Mengkuang through the Echo Ride, a cycling activity along village routes leading to the Labuh Banting area. The activity not only introduced participants to a sustainable rural lifestyle but also heightened awareness of environmental conservation among them.
The programme clearly reflects PPIK USM’s continued commitment to realising the USM APEX aspirations through strengthening international networks, empowering experiential learning and developing inclusive and sustainable communities.
The closing ceremony, held at the Kampung Kuala Mengkuang Hall, brought the programme to an end with cherished memories shared between the participants and their host families, who had become an important part of their valuable experience throughout the programme.
An emotional atmosphere also accompanied the departure of the UIN Ar-Raniry student delegation at Penang International Airport before they returned to Aceh, marking the conclusion of an academic collaboration and friendship that transcended borders.
