Writer: Lathifa Nursyamsu, S.Ars., M.Arch. | Editor: Ambarwulan, S.T.
Batam – Saturday, 8 November 2025. The third day of the UIB–UTM Joint International Workshop – “Navigating Nature and Culture: Exploring Mangrove Conservation and Cultural Landscapes in Kampung Tua Bakau Serip, Batam for Ecosystem Sustainability” marked the culmination of three days of collaborative learning between students and lecturers from Architecture Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB) and Landscape Architecture Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). This final day featured group discussions, presentations, reflection, cultural exchange activities, and the workshop closing ceremony. The activity took place from 8 am to 6 pm in the Auditorium, 2nd Floor of the Faculty of Medicine Building, Universitas Internasional Batam.
The day began with group discussions, where participants compiled their field observation results, conducted SWOT analyses, and developed design concepts and ideas for the sustainability of the Mangrove Ecotourism area. Students from both universities exchanged insights and collaborated in analyzing their findings and formulating innovative design solutions for each designated zone. The results were presented creatively on A2-sized sheets, handwritten and hand-drawn, while some groups enhanced their presentations with PowerPoint slides, videos, and 3D design renderings.
(Group Work and Discussion)
Following the discussion, each team delivered their group presentation, selected in random order. Every member was required to take part in speaking to improve their communication skills and ensure active participation. The entire presentation session was conducted in English. After each presentation, participants and lecturers engaged in an interactive Q&A session—discussing design ideas, clarifying concepts, and providing constructive feedback to enrich the learning process.
(Group Presentation)
After the intense academic sessions, the atmosphere shifted to a more reflective mood during the Reflection Session, led by Ms. Lathifa Nursyamsu, S.Ars., M.Arch., a lecturer from the UIB Architecture Department. Participants were given sticky notes to write down their impressions, experiences, lessons learned, and suggestions for future programs. The notes were then placed on a reflection board. Representatives from UIB, UTM, and the SPACE program read out their reflections, sharing heartfelt thoughts and memorable moments from the three-day workshop.
(Reflection Session)
The next activity was the Gift Exchange, where UIB and UTM students exchanged gifts they had prepared beforehand. The session was filled with laughter and excitement, especially when some gifts were left unwrapped, causing playful curiosity. Regardless of the contents, everyone deeply appreciated the thoughtfulness behind each present.
(Gift Exchange)
To add a cultural touch, UTM students introduced traditional Malaysian games, including Batu Lima and Ceper. The games were demonstrated by Sofea and Akmal, capturing everyone’s attention and enthusiasm. Participants then tried playing in small groups, filling the room with laughter and cheerful energy that eased the earlier academic tension. Later, Lian, a UTM student from China, taught everyone the art of paper folding and cutting, which the participants eagerly practiced together.
(Playing Traditional Malaysian Games)
The joyful mood continued with a souvenir exchange from UTM students to UIB students. Each UIB student received a special gift prepared by the UTM team. The heartfelt gesture moved many, and UIB students expressed their appreciation and hope to visit UTM in the future to return the kindness. The moment was commemorated with fun group photos, capturing smiles and laughter from both sides.
(Souvenir Exchange)
The highlight of the afternoon was the screening of the UTM team’s documentation video, which captured the journey of the workshop from their preparations in Malaysia, travel to Batam, welcoming at UIB, the opening ceremony, and the mangrove observation and planting activities. The video evoked nostalgia and emotion among participants, reminding them of the short yet deeply meaningful experience they had shared.
The event concluded with team photo sessions, documenting the friendship and collaboration between UIB and UTM students. The farewell and casual gathering were filled with warm goodbyes, hugs, and even tears as participants exchanged social media contacts and took selfies together. Everyone shared the same hope—to meet again next year at UTM Johor Bahru.
See you next year at Johor Bahru!
Architecture Department
Universitas Internasional Batam
