STUDENT FORUM: UPLIFTING STUDENTS’ RIGHTS

Picture: Cheong Mingwei

INTI International TOP Management body with 21st INTIMA

Representatives listening students during the August 2017 Students’ Forum.

The 21st INTIMA solidified its role as a medium for students to speak up about their concerns and opinions about the faculties and the university management through their Students Forum this semester, held at B1-L02 on 27 September.

The forum covered issues determined via an online survey by INTIMA, including facilities, security, cleanliness, services, and academic affairs.

After each topic, students were given a chance to ask two relevant questions they wanted, to which the management panel, including Head of Career Services, Manager of Facilities, Head of Registrar and Campus Operations, Chief Librarian and so on, provided the students a clear answer.

One student, who frequently voiced out bravely, is Nazifa, from Bangladesh, currently studying International Business.

“I think a forum like this should exist in all universities because this is the only platform where we get to raise our opinions and address questions to the specific department,” said Nafiza

The most controversial topic discussed during the forum was the cleanliness of food, mainly the issue of an insect in a student’s nasi lemak in Sidewalk Café, published over INTIMA Facebook page. The management clarified that it is now safe to eat as the café was forced to close for a day in order to have a proper and complete cleaning. Moreover, they are also being monitored and if a similar issue arises again, “the management will terminate the license of the owner,’ said Ms. Siew Fong Wong, Head of registry and Campus Operations.

“Rather surprised because the numbers are reducing, because I think for their inquiries, it is being addressed faster because we get other mediums right now like Facebook or our portal. They don’t need to wait for students forum to get their issues resolved,” said Ms. Shamala Krishnan, Campus Executive of INTI College Nilai.

As satisfaction and gratefulness filled the air, the forum ended at 5 pm while everyone was served delicious food.