Photos Harshini Thiagarajan
INDONESIA, 20 May 2026: A student from Universiti Utara Malaysia, Ms. Harshini d/o Thiagarajan, proudly represented the university in the prestigious IT-YIELD Summer School 2026 programme hosted by Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta from 2 to 7 May 2026.
The seven-day international programme brought together participants from 15 countries through both physical and hybrid participation, serving as a dynamic platform for academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and global networking among youths worldwide. Organised by the Economics Study Programme and the International Program for Islamic Economics and Finance (IPIEF), Faculty of Economics and Business UMY, the programme highlighted the importance of sustainability and international research collaboration in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Carrying the theme “Advancing Research for Environment, Social, and Governance in the Global South (ESG),” the programme focused on critical issues related to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and governance through a multidisciplinary approach. Throughout the programme, participants attended thematic workshops, plenary sessions, research discussions, and academic presentations delivered by distinguished speakers and researchers from internationally recognised institutions, including Universiti Malaya, J-PAL Southeast Asia, ERIA School of Government, and the Latin America Environment and Resource Economics Association.
In addition to the academic sessions, participants also took part in field trips focusing on sustainable practices and educational tourism. Interactive sessions such as campus tours and Amazing Race challenges further strengthened teamwork, leadership, communication, and intercultural skills among participants from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds.
For Ms. Harshini, the programme provided not only valuable academic enrichment, but also meaningful international and cultural exposure. She had the opportunity to learn more about Indonesian culture, traditions, lifestyle, and society while proudly introducing Malaysian culture to fellow participants from countries such as Uzbekistan, Türkiye, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Reflecting on her experience, she described the programme as both enriching and life-changing, as it broadened her perspectives and contributed significantly to her personal development.
“This programme was something new and meaningful for me. It broadened my knowledge, especially in macroeconomics, politics, and global issues, while also boosting my confidence and communication skills,” she shared.
She also expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality shown by the Indonesian community throughout the programme, adding that the experience enabled her to build meaningful international friendships and create unforgettable memories.
Her participation reflects Universiti Utara Malaysia’s continuous commitment to promoting global engagement, intercultural understanding, and international academic exposure among its students, in line with the university’s aspiration to nurture globally competent graduates. – Harshini Thiagarajan
