Take part in a funded Student Conference on Sustainable Development in Malaysia
The UK-Malaysia University Consortium (MUC) Student Conference will be hosted by the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between 16 – 22 July 2023.
BU students undertaking an undergraduate degree can apply for a funded opportunity to attend this year's conference to develop skills and awareness in sustainable development from global and local perspectives; cultural awareness, global equality within higher education, global citizenship; employability, teamwork and mental wellbeing.
The theme for the conference is Sustainable Development and Equality with a focus on intercultural learning through United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Group challenges and will feature a buddy scheme (both starting online before and completed during the conference), guest lectures, workshops and a rich cultural programme. You will join students from around the UK and Malaysia to take part in these stimulating activities.
If you would like to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity, read the criteria below and complete the application requirements by Sunday 23 April. For further information please contact the Global Engagement Hub at [email protected].
Who is eligible to apply?
BU undergraduate student status: You can apply if you are a BU student undertaking an undergraduate programme (excluding courses in franchise, validation, shared delivery or off-campus delivery programmes)
Completeness of the application: Your application must be fully completed. Incomplete applications will not go through to the assessment stage.
What will BU funding cover?
The British Council is sponsoring the Conference fee and accommodation for all students.
BU will cover the following costs:
Return economy flights (including UK airport and in-country transfers)
Visas (where required)
Meals
Local transport.
You are advised to bring your own spending money for any purchases you may wish to make while overseas.
It is your responsibility to ensure all the necessary information is provided correctly. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will be marked as void and removed from the process.
Important: Please ensure your email address is correct. All communication will be sent to your student email address, so please check this!
Travel and conference information
Entry requirements: You must have a valid passport with at least six months remaining from the date of your return departure to the UK.
Visa requirements: UK passport holders will not require a visa to enter Malaysia. If you hold a non-UK passport, you will need to research whether you will need a visa to enter Malaysia and how long it will take to obtain a visa. We cannot guarantee that your visa will be granted as this is subject to immigration laws. You will be expected to provide your passport for a considerable amount of time in order to process your visa application.
Immunisations: Please refer to the NHS guidelines regarding immunisations. If you are chosen to go on this trip, you will need to book immunisations through your local GP at your own cost.
Insurance: BU will provide comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of the overseas trip.
Successful applicants will receive further information regarding Covid-19 considerations and travel guidance once officially accepted onto the programme.
Covid-19 travel implications: There could be sudden changes that affect your travel plans, including changes to border control advice which may prevent travel and changes to quarantine and/or testing requirements in your host country or when re-entering the UK.
What will happen if I am successful?
All applicants will be informed about the outcome of the application within two weeks of applying. If you are successful, you will be required to attend all pre-departure activities. We will not be able to accept applicants who do not attend the mandatory pre-departure activities.
Pre-departure activities
Buddy Scheme: Prior to the conference, accepted students from UK and Malaysia will be paired up and choose topics linked to the Going Global Theme 2022, “How to pursue equity in an inequitable world”. Their discussions will be presented in the Poster Sessions during the conference.
SDG Challenge session: In addition to meeting your buddy online prior to the conference, you will also be expected to attend an online SDG Challenge session. This will form a basis for your work at the conference. More information on this will be provided after registration is closed.
Conference activities
UN SDG Challenges: You will work in groups of 8-10 students to solve pre-determined challenges based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. You will work together online prior to the conference and complete and present your work to a panel during the conference.
Buddy Scheme: in small groups you will work with students from UK and Malaysia to choose topics linked to the Going Global Theme 2022, “How to pursue equity in an inequitable world”. Your discussions will be presented in the Poster Sessions during the conference.
Workshops: You will attend workshops delivered by experts from participating member institutions. The topics and number of workshop options will be confirmed once the overall numbers and participating institutions is confirmed.
Wellbeing: Space will be allocated in the conference programme for practical sessions and/or workshops on mental health and wellbeing from a both a UK and Malaysian perspective.
Cultural Programme: Including a guided tour of Rimba Ilmu, Batik painting, dumpling making, traditional dance, rangoli and calligraphy workshops.
Timeline of activities
Application deadline: Sunday 23 April 2023
Announcement of results: Within two weeks of your application date
First Buddy meet-up completed online: Friday 5 May 2023
First SDG Challenge session completed online: Friday 12 May 2023
