16 FEB Unila Students Selected to Join the “Jewel of Borneo” Summer Program at UiTM Sabah, Malaysia
FEB Unila | Sixteen students from the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Lampung (FEB Unila) take part in the Summer Program: Jewel of Borneo, an international program held in collaboration between FEB Unila and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah, Malaysia. This program takes place over two weeks, from October 15 to October 28, 2024, at the UiTM Sabah campus in Malaysia.
The Jewel of Borneo program offers a unique cross-cultural educational experience, designed to broaden the academic and cultural perspectives of students in the fields of economics and business. This program combines academic studies with hands-on learning about the rich cultural and environmental diversity of Borneo. Over the course of two weeks, participants will engage in various activities, including seminars, group discussions, case studies, and field visits to key locations in Sabah, which are tied to the region’s economy, business practices, and cultural heritage.
Dean of FEB Unila, Prof. Dr. Nairobi, S.E., M.Si., expressed his pride in the students who were selected for this prestigious program. According to him, Jewel of Borneo is a rare opportunity with the potential to greatly enhance students’ skills and insights. “We are extremely proud and have high hopes for these 16 students. They represent FEB Unila on the international stage. This program is an important step towards realizing FEB Unila’s vision of internationalization and enriching the global competencies of our students. I hope they will make the most of this opportunity and return with valuable knowledge and experiences to strengthen their perspectives and skills,” he said.
During the program, FEB Unila students will participate in various modules, each offering different learning experiences. The first module includes seminars and academic discussions focused on local economics, international trade, and the ecotourism potential of Sabah. This module features expert speakers, including UiTM Sabah faculty and local practitioners, who will share in-depth insights into economic dynamics and market potential within Southeast Asia. Additionally, students will analyze current issues affecting Sabah’s economy, enabling them to see the regional impacts of global economic trends.
The following module consists of field activities that provide firsthand exposure to Sabah’s business potential and cultural uniqueness. Students will visit several renowned ecotourism sites, such as Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and traditional cultural centers that showcase local arts, crafts, and customs of Sabah’s indigenous communities. In addition to learning about tourism-based economics, students will gain insights into the social factors impacting local businesses, especially those related to environmental conservation and community welfare.
The Jewel of Borneo program also presents students with opportunities to expand their international networks. Through group discussions and collaborative projects, FEB Unila students will interact and work closely with UiTM Sabah students and participants from other countries. This aspect of the program not only enriches academic learning but also enhances cross-cultural communication skills, teamwork in an international setting, and adaptability within diverse environments.
As part of FEB Unila’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation, the program is expected to have a lasting impact on participating students. After the program concludes, students will attend a reflection session and prepare reports, which include personal evaluations, achievements gained, and recommendations for the future development of similar programs.
Overall, the Jewel of Borneo summer program represents a valuable partnership between FEB Unila and UiTM Sabah, aimed at supporting the development of young people through experiential international education. By participating in this program, FEB Unila students are expected not only to gain academic knowledge but also to develop a broader understanding of cultural diversity, regional economic potential, and business challenges. This program also serves as an important step for FEB Unila in producing graduates ready to compete globally and make meaningful contributions to society.
