[Kuching, 13^th October 2025] – The Faculty of Computing and Software Engineering (FCSE) at i-CATS University College in collaboration with the School of Applied Science, Telkom University Indonesia, recently completed a two-week inbound mobility and international corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme from 29^th September to 10^th October 2025. The Telkom University delegate comprised of FOUR (4) academics from the School of Applied Science namely, Dr. Siti Zakiah, Head of Hospitality Programme, Mr. Fathah Noor Prawita, Application Software Engineering Lecturer, Mr. Asep Deffy Ciftadi (Assistant Manager for Academic IT Products), Ms. Alit Yurniargan E. (Accounting Information System Lecturer) and 5 students.

The first week featured virtual academic sessions between FCSE and Telkom University, covering topics such as software engineering, digital payments, web AI, and cultural exchange. The topics included “Panoramic View of Software Engineering: a survey of past Final Year Projects, Trends and Challenges” by  Tay Chung Ang of FCSE, “Seamless Payments: The Future of Digital Transactions in Asia” by Dr. Tora Fahrudin of School of Applied Science, “Web AI” by  Emily Siew Sing Kiang of FCSE and “From Sundanese Traditions to Global Connections: West Java’s Cultural Exchange” by Dr. Siti Zakiah of School of Applied Science. 

The second week focused on a CSR project in Kampung Telaga Air, where participants developed a tourist-friendly website (https://visitkampungtelagaair.com/) with features like a 360° Virtual Tour, multimedia galleries and business directories. This website would be essential in promoting local heritage, culture and sustainable tourism. Critical to the data collection was the support rendered by the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, i-CATS UC, and local authorities. The second day of the programme highlighted The Service Learning University Malaysia (SULAM) held at NADI (Pusat Sebaran Nasional) centre of Kampung Telaga Air.  The SULAM workshops, “Sell Smarter – AI Driven Poster Design” and “Easy Financial Records with Spreadsheet” were led by Mdm. Norahima Annuar (Senior Lecturer of FCSE) and Mdm. Alit Yurniargan E from the School of Applied Science, Telkom University Indonesia. The content focussed on digital skills targeting the traders and business members in the village. Other activities included a Mini Poster Design Competition, showcasing creativity and innovation using digital technology.

The project concluded with a website handover ceremony at i-CATS University College campus attended by the Penghulu Kawasan Telaga Air, Tuan Haji Mushidi bin Haji Johari, Ketua Kampung Telaga Air, Tuan Zaini bin Haji Tanggek and the village committee members. Hosting the ceremony was Dr. Ting Kung Chuang (Dean of FCSE) who thanked the Penghulu and Ketua Kampung for their support in the project. This was followed by a signing ceremony, and souvenir exchange, marking the success of this international academic and community collaboration.  Latter in the second week, the inbound mobility participants also visited Sarawak Cultural Village and museums, as part of cultural study and exchange, which were also part of the programme.

Prepared by Tay Chung Ang