UMPSA Statistics Professor conducted International Community Engagement Programme in Bandar Lampung
Bandar Lampung, 8 January 2026 — Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rashid bin Ab Hamid from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), a senior lecturer in applied statistics, conducted an International Community Engagement Programme at SMA Negeri 5 Bandar Lampung. The initiative was organised in conjunction with the 32nd Anniversary (Dies Natalis) of Universitas Malahayati, with the support of the Provincial Department of Education and Culture of Lampung, as part of the International Professors Summit 2026.
The programme, themed “Numeracy Is More Than Just Counting,” aimed to enhance students’ understanding of the importance of numeracy in daily life and academic learning, while also shifting the perception that mathematics is a difficult and intimidating subject. During the knowledge-sharing session, Professor Rashid highlighted real-world applications of mathematics and introduced effective strategies for solving problems creatively and systematically. He also motivated students to build confidence in mastering mathematical concepts.
The programme also featured Prof.essor Dr. Norihan binti Md Arifin from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), an expert in applied mathematics with extensive experience in research and higher education. Both professors delivered interactive lectures and engaged students in open discussions, creating an active and supportive learning environment.
In addition to activities at SMA Negeri 5, several other professors were placed in various schools across Bandar Lampung as part of a wider community service mission. These included Prof. Dr. Ismail Mohamed from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Prof. Dr. Jumat Sulaiman from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Prof. Dr. Wamiliana from Universitas Lampung (UNILA), Prof. Dr. Syamsuddin from Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) Makassar, Prof. Dr. Norasarahaida Saidina Amin from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and Prof. Sudradjat from Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD). Their involvement expanded the programme’s reach and benefitted a larger number of students and teachers.
The school welcomed the initiative, noting that it enhanced students’ numeracy literacy while also exposing them to potential career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Teachers of SMA Negeri 5 equally benefited from the sharing of innovative and relevant approaches to teaching mathematics in line with current educational needs.
Overall, the programme successfully strengthened academic collaboration between Malaysian and Indonesian universities, paving the way for future partnerships in education. This international community engagement effort also reaffirms Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah’s (UMPSA) commitment to contributing actively to educational development at the community and regional levels.
Author: Profesor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rashid Abd Hamid