SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PROJECT UNITES EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS ACROSS BORDERS
1 August 2025 - An online closing ceremony was successfully conducted by Hanoi Open University, Vietnam to mark the end of eight-weeks online session of Sustainable Tourism Project, that was organized by Faculty of Tourism, Hanoi Open University, Vietnam. The project saw enthusiastic participation from students representing four countries; Malaysia, Vietnam, India, and the Philippines. The ceremony began at 2:30PM (Malaysia time) and 1:30PM (Vietnam time).
Throughout the 8 weeks, students were involved in various debates, discussions, and projects. They were given an opportunity to learn about sustainable tourism in different parts of the world, while enhancing their intercultural communication and teamwork.
Representing Malaysia, University Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) and SMK Datuk Haji Abdul Kadir (SMKDHAK), Penang, Malaysia had the privilege to participate. They were led by Siti Ainun Jariyah Hassan, Senior Language Teacher of UMPSA and Shazlin Mohamad Saad, Head of Language Department of SMKDHAK, who supervised the students throughout the programme.
“This program has given me confidence working with my peers from other countries and also an understanding of how tourism should be developed responsibly. For me I think the program expanded my knowledge, understanding and creativity, critical thinking skills. These are things that we all saw happening in the program.,” said Shazwina Shibra, a student from SMKDHAK.
The closing ceremony was graced by Dr. Umi Kalsom binti Masrom, Head of Program for Department of English Language (DEL), UMPSA and Noor Sayyati Abdul Kadir, Vice Principal of SMKDHAK, which serves as a testament of institutional relations and academic collaboration.
The show kicked off with musical and cultural displays from the visiting nations. Malaysia brought a special collaboration between UMPSA and SMKDHAK in a video adaptation performance of traditional Wau Bulan dance, a cultural emblem of unity and creativity.
“This program has helped me improve my confidence a lot.”,” said Nur Nafeesa Binti Mohd Hanafiah, from UMPSA.
The Sustainable Tourism Project is also well positioned in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with specific relevance to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Through its focus on inspiring youth to think critically about responsible tourism, this program equips the future leaders who will help make sustainability a reality in their community and careers.
The program launched new possibilities for students and teachers alike. Students had the opportunity to make new friends from other countries, learn about sustainable tourism, enhance their communication and critical thinking skills, and most importantly, developed their experience of working internationally which enhances their academic CV and future job applications.
“This project has shown that crossing borders can be done, that it is important and stimulating. It demonstrates how education can push sustainability,” said Noor Sayyati.
In the future, the organisers intend to further promote this cooperation, perhaps including further partner universities, and may develop the program in the direction of on-site exchanges. Overall, the project opened new doors of opportunity for both students and teachers, providing meaningful international exposure and valuable contributions at a global level.
Prepared by: Siti Ainun Jariyah Hassan & Shazlin Mohamad Saad