SIBU: The University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) Student Council has been urged to actively engage with international students as the university expands its global presence.
Its Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr. Khairuddin Abdul Hamid said this is in line with the university’s efforts to increase the number of international students starting this year.
He said the university recently welcomed exchange students from Brunei, Indonesia, Pakistan, and China.
“I would like the Student Council not only to take care of the welfare of our students but also to learn how to engage with international students.
“Bring international students into the group and activities. We do not want them to feel isolated or left out of our campus community.
“With more international students coming in, we aim to create a more global campus environment,” he said in his speech at the Swearing-in Ceremony of the UTS Student Council 2025-2026 at a renowned hotel here last night (Feb 15).
At the event, Khairuddin also expressed his gratitude to the 2024-2025 Student Council and hoped that their experience as student leaders would benefit them in the future after leaving university.
“I am sure you have gained valuable experience and knowledge in management,” he said.
Welcoming the 2025-2026 Student Council, he pointed out the challenges of managing a larger student body.
“I believe your approach will be different. With the recent intake of over 400 students, our total student population has now reached almost 5,000.
“Managing 2,000 students is very different from managing 5,000. There will be more issues, more challenges, and greater demands.
“Therefore, you must work together, and the management must also be open to discussions on important matters,” he added.
During the event, Dr Khairuddin also witnessed the handover of documents from outgoing Student Council president Brandon Chong Kian Hua, to the newly appointed president Muhammad Warith.
