Q1. I want to organise a programme involving international students. Who should I contact?
A. International Student Office (ISO)
Contact ISO if:
You want funding support for a programme.
Your programme aims to engage international students.
Your programme promotes integration between local and international students.
Your programme provides cultural exposure, community engagement, or student well-being activities.
You require advice on programme suitability and collaboration opportunities.
B. AIS-UTP (Association of International Students)
Contact AIS if:
You want to reach international students directly.
You need collaboration for international student-focused programmes.
You require volunteers from the international student community.
Your programme is related to culture, welfare, sports, academics, or social engagement.
AIS is the official club representing international students and serves as an official touchpoint between international students and university offices.
C. SRCUTP (EXCO International Students)
Contact SRCUTP if:
You wish to escalate student issues.
Your concerns involve university policies.
You require representation at university-level discussions.
You need support advocating for student matters.
SRCUTP is the highest student representative body and channels student concerns directly to university management.
D. Country Representatives
Contact Country Representatives if:
You want to promote programmes to a specific nationality.
You need cultural advice.
You require support reaching students from a particular country.
You need grassroots-level engagement.
Country Representatives act as first-line support within their nationality communities.
Q2. What support can ISO provide?
ISO may provide:
Programme Consultation
Programme planning advice
Proposal feedback
Collaboration recommendations
Student engagement strategies
Funding Support
ISO may provide partial funding support for eligible programmes.
Funding generally prioritises:
Transportation
Accommodation (if applicable)
Entrance fees
Registration fees
Standard refreshments
Technical support
Workshop materials
Promotional materials
Prizes and tokens
ISO funding is intended as supportive funding and not full sponsorship.
Promotion Support
Sharing through ISO communication channels
Community announcements
International student outreach
Collaboration Support
Connection with AIS-UTP
Connection with Country Representatives
Coordination with relevant university stakeholders
Q3. What support does ISO NOT provide?
ISO generally does not cover:
Personal allowances
Personal meals
Programme T-shirts
Gifts and souvenirs
Profit-oriented activities
Commercial programmes
Q4. What are the requirements to receive ISO support?
A programme should satisfy at least one of the following:
Alignment with ISO Objectives
The programme should:
Promote international student engagement.
Foster integration between international and local students.
Provide meaningful exposure to Malaysian culture and experiences.
International Student Participation
The programme must meet at least one condition:
Minimum 20% international student participation; OR
Primarily designed for international students.
Inclusivity
Programmes should:
Be open to all UTP students.
Have transparent participation processes.
Encourage international student involvement in organising committees.
Q5. What is the process to organise a programme and seek ISO support?
Step 1 – Develop Programme Idea
Identify:
Programme objective
Target participants
Expected outcomes
International student involvement
Step 2 – Discuss with ISO
Meet or contact ISO to:
Validate programme suitability
Explore funding opportunities
Identify collaboration partners
Step 3 – Prepare Proposal
Include:
Programme details
Budget
Expected participation
International student percentage
Organising committee information
Step 4 – Submit Proposal
ISO will review:
Alignment with objectives
Budget justification
Student impact
Participation plan
Step 5 – Programme Approval
ISO reserves the right to:
Approve
Partially approve
Reject
Request revisions
Step 6 – Conduct Programme
Ensure compliance with:
UTP policies
Safety requirements
University procedures
Step 7 – Submit Post-Programme Report
Required documents:
Attendance breakdown
Impact summary
Event photos/evidence
Q6. What programmes are offered or supported by ISO?
A. Nature Excursion Trips
Purpose:
Explore natural attractions
Promote well-being
Encourage student bonding
Examples:
Rainforest trips
Camping
Water activities
Nature exploration
B. Explore Cities Excursion Trips
Purpose:
Introduce Malaysian cities
Explore landmarks
Experience urban culture
Examples:
Heritage city tours
Food discovery trips
Educational city visits
C. Cultural Assimilation Programmes
Purpose:
Immerse students in Malaysian culture
Experience traditions, food, and community life
Examples:
Cultural workshops
Traditional games
Festival celebrations
Community visits
D. International Student Day / Night
Purpose:
Celebrate cultural diversity
Showcase performances and exhibitions
Promote community engagement
Typically led by AIS-UTP with collaboration opportunities.
E. International Student Sports Programmes
Purpose:
Promote healthy lifestyles
Encourage intercultural interaction
Examples:
Sports tournaments
Friendly matches
Recreational activities
F. Other Student-Led Programmes
Any initiative supporting:
International student engagement
Integration
Welfare
Student experience
may be considered for support.
Q7. What is the difference between ISO, AIS, SRCUTP and Country Representatives?
Q8. What types of programmes are NOT eligible for ISO support?
Programmes that:
Do not involve or benefit international students.
Are commercial or profit-driven.
Serve only a closed group without strong justification.
Conflict with ISO objectives or university values.
Q9. What are ISO's main objectives?
ISO aims to:
1. Promote International Student Engagement
Increase participation in campus life and leadership opportunities.
2. Foster Local-International Integration
Build intercultural understanding and collaboration.
3. Support Assimilation into Malaysian Culture
Provide meaningful exposure to Malaysian society, culture, and experiences.
Q10. Who should I contact for International Student Experience matters?
For enquiries related to:
International student programmes and activities
Programme funding and support
Student engagement and integration initiatives
Cultural, excursion, and sports programmes
Collaboration with ISO, AIS-UTP, SRCUTP, or Country Representatives
Please contact:
International Student Office (ISO)
Shazrul Hazwan Bin Roslan
Senior Executive, International Student Advice & Experience
International Student Office (ISO)
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
📧 Email: shazrul.roslan@utp.edu.my
☎️ Tel: +605-368 8552
How can Shazrul help?
Advise on programme planning and suitability
Explain ISO funding eligibility and requirements
Connect organisers with AIS-UTP, SRCUTP, or Country Representatives
Provide guidance on international student engagement strategies
Support initiatives that enhance international student experience, integration, and cultural assimilation
Assist with enquiries related to international student activities and collaborations