OVER the course of five days, a group of Universiti Malaya (UM) students recently explored new environments in an international setting, while building confidence and developing global skills.
What made the experience unique was that it marked the first time UM students with disabilities had the opportunity to participate in the short-term outbound mobility programme known as INCLUDE (International & Inclusive Learning for Diverse Excellence).
Throughout the programme – the first of two series held at Universitas Multimedia Nusantara, Indonesia, from May 5 to 9 – the 12 participants with visual impairments from various backgrounds immersed themselves in interactive activities designed to stimulate their senses.
These included sensory play using Indonesian herbs and spices, cooking workshops, art therapy, and podcast sessions that gave voice to their perspectives.
Another highlight was the “Whisper Cinema” experience, which offered a new dimension to cinematic experiences for visually impaired participants.
Cultural activities such as pandan weaving and traditional games further enriched their cross-cultural experience.
UM, in a May 5 press release, described the programme as a turning point marking a new chapter in inclusive education.
“The programme is not merely a journey abroad; it is a journey beyond personal boundaries,” it said, adding that support from “buddy” peers and accompanying officers ensured that every moment of the experience was inclusive, safe and meaningful.
UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to empowering students with disabilities, in line with the national higher education aspiration of producing globally competitive graduates.
He stressed that the initiative is not just a programme, but an early step towards a more inclusive and equitable future in education.
According to UM Global Mobility Centre director Rafiza Hashim, the implementation of the programme aligns with the varsity’s aspiration to ensure every undergraduate student has the opportunity to participate in at least one outbound mobility programme during their studies.
The initiative received RM10,000 in funding support from Yayasan Perkasa Siswa to assist with its implementation.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, who announced the contribution, said this reflects the country’s continued commitment to the welfare and development of students with disabilities.
“This programme is among the approaches we are emphasising at the Higher Education Ministry to ensure that access to higher education is truly inclusive, fair, and able to provide global exposure to all students, regardless of their background or limitations,” he said in a Facebook post on April 22, after attending the INCLUDE 2026 launch at UM.
Meanwhile, the ministry, in an April 23 statement, expressed support for the programme, noting that it is the first outbound mobility programme specially designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
It added that the ministry continues to strengthen initiatives and incentives specifically aimed at supporting special education needs (SEN) students.
These include financial assistance for SEN students to ease their financial burden; a free education initiative for 3,000 SEN students through tuition fee exemptions at public higher education institutions, polytechnics and community colleges; and the implementation of an inclusive education policy aligned with the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026–2035, which emphasises equal access for SEN students.
The ministry also highlighted ongoing student development support, including grants and allocations to university-based associations for SEN students aimed at empowering participation and leadership.
The INCLUDE mobility programme will be carried out in two main series in 2026, with the second scheduled for September in Thailand, at Mahidol University and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi.
