Learning meets competition as UMPSA hosts 100 LRVTC students across 5 mobility cohorts

PEKAN, 26 September 2026 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) successfully hosted 100 students from LRVTC, China, across five mobility cohorts from August to September 2026, marking another milestone in the university’s international student mobility and Malaysia–China academic engagement.

The programme offered participants an immersive experience combining technical and vocational education and training (TVET), language development, cultural exposure, experiential learning and competition-based activities.

It was implemented through close collaboration between the Centre for Academic Collaboration (CACM), Centre for Modern Languages (CML) and the Academy for Advanced TVET (ATVET), bringing together expertise in international mobility, language and intercultural learning, as well as technical and vocational education.

The programme also reflected the growing reciprocal mobility between both institutions, with 25 UMPSA students having participated in a mobility programme at LRVTC in China the previous month.

A major highlight was the CAD Reverse-Engineering & Product Design Challenge, held on 23 September 2026 under the theme “From Physical Object Measurement to 3D CAD Model and Technical Presentation.”

The challenge provided students with an opportunity to apply their technical knowledge to a practical design task.

Participants analysed and measured physical objects, converted the measurements into accurate three-dimensional computer-aided design (3D CAD) models, and presented their work through technical presentations.

The activity tested not only technical competency, but also creativity, precision, problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills, reflecting UMPSA’s emphasis on applied and experiential learning.

In her closing remarks, CACM Director, Associate Professor Dr. Nik Aloesnita Nik Mohd Alwi, said the challenge was designed to develop competencies beyond technical modelling.

“This challenge is not only about producing a CAD model. It is also about problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and learning how to turn an idea into a practical solution,” she said.

Beyond the competition, participants were exposed to UMPSA’s academic and technical learning environment through faculty-based activities, skills development sessions, language learning and engagement with the university community.

They also took part in educational, cultural-based activities in Kuantan and Pekan, providing opportunities to experience Malaysian culture, society and local communities while strengthening their adaptability and intercultural awareness.

Associate Professor Dr. Nik Aloesnita emphasised that international mobility should go beyond travelling to another country by creating opportunities for students to exchange knowledge, understand different cultures and build lasting connections.

The participation of 100 LRVTC students at UMPSA, together with the recent mobility of 25 UMPSA students to LRVTC, reflects the commitment of both institutions to developing meaningful two-way international learning opportunities.

The successful implementation of the five cohorts also demonstrated the value of collaboration across UMPSA in delivering mobility programmes that combine technical learning, language development, cultural immersion and practical experience.

Looking ahead, UMPSA aims to further strengthen its partnership with LRVTC through expanded student mobility, academic collaboration, technical programmes and other joint initiatives.

By: Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir and Associate Professor Dr. Nik Aloesnita Nik Mohd Alwi, Centre for Academic Collaboration and Mobility