A journey of inclusion, friendship and discovery began at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), where participants of the UM INCLUDE Mobility Programme Siri II were given a heartfelt send-off by Professor Hasniza, Professor Yvonne, and Madam Rafiza Hashim. As they waved goodbye, 17 participants set off not only for Thailand, but also for a transformative learning experience that would broaden perspectives and strengthen regional collaboration in inclusive education.
Held from 11 to 15 August 2026 at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Thailand, the programme brought together 4 Universiti Malaya (UM) students with disabilities, 4 UM student buddies, 4 students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and 5 students from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Representing the disability categories of hearing impairment, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities, the participants embarked on a unique mobility programme designed to demonstrate that international education should be accessible to everyone.
The experience began with a warm welcome from KMUTT's Disability Support Services Unit, where participants learned about the university's inclusive support ecosystem before engaging in lively networking and sharing sessions with KMUTT students. Conversations on learning support, student services and inclusive practices quickly broke down barriers, allowing participants from both countries to exchange ideas, experiences and aspirations in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.
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Learning extended far beyond the classroom. During the Sound Journey Workshop, participants discovered how communication can transcend spoken words, encouraging empathy, creativity and a deeper appreciation of diverse ways people connect with one another. The programme also featured an accessible campus tour, offering participants first-hand insight into KMUTT's commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment. The journey concluded with a student reflection session and closing ceremony, where participants celebrated the friendships they had built, the knowledge they had gained, and the shared commitment to advancing inclusion in higher education.
The final day provided participants with an opportunity to experience contemporary Bangkok through a visit to ICONSIAM, one of Thailand's iconic mixed-use destinations, before enjoying time for self-exploration around the city. This balance of academic engagement and cultural immersion enabled participants to gain a deeper appreciation of Thailand while developing greater confidence, independence and intercultural understanding.
More than just an overseas study visit, the UM INCLUDE Mobility Programme Siri II reaffirmed Universiti Malaya's vision that global education should be inclusive, empowering and transformative. Through meaningful collaboration with KMUTT, UKM and UPM, the programme demonstrated that when accessibility and opportunity go hand in hand, international mobility becomes a platform where every student can learn, contribute and thrive.
