By Nasarizal, Media & Visibility Section, Deputy Vice-Chanceller (Student Affairs) Portfolio, 18 May 2026 @ 1.00pm
KUALA LUMPUR/TANGERANG, 5 May – A historic milestone was achieved as the inaugural cohort of the INCLUDE Mobility Programme (International & Inclusive Learning for Diverse Excellence) departed Malaysia for Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN), Tangerang, Indonesia.
This groundbreaking initiative marks Malaysia’s first outbound mobility programme tailored for students with visual disabilities (OKU status), setting a new benchmark for inclusive higher education in the region.
The programme is organised by the Global Mobility Centre (GMC) in collaboration with the Centre for Counselling and Disability Empowerment, Kolej Kediaman 7, and AUN-DPPNet.
Together, these institutions have worked to ensure that internationalisation opportunities are accessible to all students, regardless of ability.
The five-day programme is designed to immerse participants in sensory-based activities that highlight cultural and creative experiences.
Among the highlights are culinary workshops that introduce Indonesian flavours and techniques, offering students a hands-on learning experience.
Students will also participate in traditional crafts sessions, connecting them to cultural heritage through touch and texture.
A podcast collaboration with UMN’s Faculty of Communication will provide a platform for students to share their voices and perspectives.
In addition, participants will attend a Bioskop Bisik screening, a unique film experience enhanced with descriptive narration for visually impaired audiences.
These activities are not only cultural exchanges but also opportunities to build confidence, foster independence, and strengthen cross-border friendships.
The INCLUDE Mobility Programme demonstrates that accessibility and ambition can go hand in hand, proving that inclusive education is more than a concept—it is a reality in action.
“This programme is a milestone in our efforts to ensure that every student, regardless of ability, has the chance to experience the transformative power of international mobility,” said a representative from GMC.
A spokesperson from AUN-DPPNet added, “We hope this initiative inspires other universities in ASEAN to adopt similar inclusive practices.”
The success of this inaugural cohort is expected to pave the way for future INCLUDE programmes, expanding to other partner universities across ASEAN and beyond.
With this, Malaysia signals a new chapter in higher education, where inclusivity is not an afterthought but a driving principle.
Photo courtesy of Universiti Malaya Corporate Communication Division
