A warm and enthusiastic atmosphere enveloped the Guest Lecture event organized by the Science Education Study Program and the Physics Education Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Semarang State University (UNNES), in collaboration with the Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Selangor, Malaysia.
The event took place on Thursday, October 9, 2025, and was enthusiastically attended by Science Education and Physics Education students occupying Smart Classrooms D4.127 (LUPIC) and D3.116. This event was part of the 2025 Foreign Matching Grant program, funded by the UNNES Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), with Dr. Ellianawati, M.Si. as the project leader and Dr. Bambang Subali, M.Si. as a team member.
Before the main session began, the event opened with a lively angklung performance led by Mr. Slamet Haryono and a team from the Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) UNNES. The guests from UiTM were visibly thrilled by the experience. Several songs were performed enthusiastically, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. Interestingly, most of the new students were playing angklung for the first time but managed to follow the rhythm well — demonstrating teamwork, adaptability, and a strong learning spirit.
Following the cultural opening, the Guest Lecture was conducted in two parallel sessions. In Room D4.127 (LUPIC), Science Education students participated in a session with Prof. Dr. Sharipah Ruzaina Syed Aris and Mdm. Zulinda Ayu Zulkipli. Prof. Sharipah presented “Learning by Doing, Giving by Serving: Bridging Experiential and Community-Based Learning,” emphasizing the importance of experiential learning and community engagement. Meanwhile, Mdm. Zulinda presented “STEM with Purpose: Creating Social Impact through Innovation,” encouraging students to develop solution-oriented innovations that contribute positively to society.
Simultaneously, in Room D3.116, Physics Education students attended a session with Dr. Al ‘Aina Yuhainis Firus Khan and Mdm. Norezan Ibrahim. Dr. Al ‘Aina delivered a presentation on “Strengthening Laboratory Safety and Sustainability in Science Teacher Education: Bridging Knowledge, Practice, and Innovation,” underlining the importance of integrating safety and sustainability in laboratory practices. Mdm. Norezan concluded the session with “Think Smart, Solve Smart: Skills for Today & Tomorrow,” motivating students to develop critical, creative, and adaptive problem-solving skills essential for the future.
According to Dr. Ellianawati, M.Si., the head of the Matching Grant program, this event was not merely an academic activity but also a platform for strengthening international collaboration. “This guest lecture is a tangible manifestation of the partnership between UNNES and UiTM. It provides students with a global learning experience and cross-cultural exposure that enriches their scientific and educational perspectives,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bambang Subali, M.Si. highlighted that the collaboration offers a meaningful learning experience for future science educators. “The speakers have shown how science, technology, and creativity can shape students’ character and social responsibility,” he said.
This international guest lecture not only broadened students’ academic horizons but also reflected UNNES’s strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Communities). By integrating global collaboration, innovation, and sustainability principles into science education, this event supports UNNES’s vision as an internationally reputable Conservation University that contributes to sustainable development through education and research excellence.
