GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA, 2 November 2015 - The 4^th University Community Engagement Conference (UCEC) started off with a welcoming reception for the delegates at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary here last night.

A total of 125 delegates from 15 countries will be gathering over the next 3 days to share their university-community engagement experiences, and the reception allowed the delegates to mingle and socialize in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by beautiful Australian nature.

This occasion was graced by the honourable Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman, who is the patron of UCEC 2015 and also the president of the Asia Pacific University-Engagement Network (APUCEN).

According to Omar, this event has created opportunities for bilateral networking with many universities and institutions all over the world as such an informal gathering enhances networking and discussion of ideas.

“I am delighted to see that both the co-hosts - USM and the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) have managed to attract delegates from different parts of the world, making UCEC truly international,” said Omar.

Meanwhile, the Vice-President of APUCEN Professor Dr. Takeshi Matsuda of Kyoto University, which is the next host of the 5^th UCEC, said the preparation for UCEC 2015 was well done and he is appreciative of the efforts put in by the organisers.

Also present at the reception were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network) USM who is also the Organising Committee Chairperson Professor Dato’ Dr. Susie See Ching Mey; CEO of Navitas Professional & English Programmes Lyndell Fraser, and the co-chair Fiona O' Sullivan.

The joyous night ended with the delegates being treated to a spectacular performance of the aboriginal dancers which is unique to Australia, and had the opportunity to touch the koala and a baby crocodile.

Text: Dr. Mohd Adi Firdaus Tan Abdullah/Dr. Tan Kok Eng

Edited: Tan Ewe Hoe

Photos: Dr. Juliana Abdul Wahab