USM PENANG, 1 June 2026 – It was an eye-opening trip for the Interior Architecture students of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) when they had the opportunity to visit Taiwan and experience first-hand the country’s rich architectural and cultural landscape.

The Interior Architecture Programme, School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP), USM, recently conducted this international academic visit involving third-year Interior Architecture students.

Led by Dr. Mohd Jaki Mamat, the visit was held from 2 to 7 May 2026 and included an academic engagement session with the Department of Architecture and Interior Design, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YUNTECH), Taiwan.

The programme aimed to provide international exposure for students through academic exchange activities, cultural appreciation, and design observation in Taiwan.

During the visit to YUNTECH, both universities participated in a digital exhibition showcasing students’ interior design works, in addition to an information exchange session and discussions on potential future collaboration between the two institutions.

Students were also given the opportunity to explore various architectural, heritage, and commercial spaces around Taipei and Taichung.

The academic itinerary focused on interior design approaches, building materials, adaptive reuse projects, and the appreciation of heritage environments.

Among the places visited were Taipei 101, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, National Taiwan Museum and Fine Art, Miyahara Building, and several commercial districts in Taipei and Taichung.

The visit successfully provided meaningful international learning experiences for students while strengthening academic networking and collaborative relationships between USM and YUNTECH.

The programme also enhanced students’ understanding of global perspectives in interior architecture and contemporary design practices.

Source: Dr. Mohd Jaki Mamat, Interior Architecture Programme, School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP), USM/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe