Session 39: Integrating real-world projects into the curriculum: a case study into bridging classroom to business and society through business clinics and project experiences in UK & Malaysia

Abstract

Session overview:

This British Council-funded project fosters international collaboration between Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and YPC International College, aimed at creating a sustainable model of partnership via Business and Digital Clinics. By integrating student and staff contributions into purposeful, real-world projects, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academia, business, and society.

Over 700 students from the UK and Malaysia participate in industrial projects spanning diverse industries, tackling real-world business and societal challenges. The Business and Digital Clinics provide a dynamic platform for students to develop and showcase their projects, fostering cross-cultural exchange and innovation. Through this initiative, students share reflections and insights gained from their live experiences, culminating in an international competition that highlights their achievements and impact.

Project Goals

The initiative will facilitate an international competition where final-year students from UKMUC member institutions work on projects that focus on both business solutions and societal impact. Projects will be assessed on their academic merit and innovation, with top submissions chosen for regional showcases in both countries. Local winners will be selected based on criteria such as feasibility and impact, with the winning students receiving an international trip to further develop their ideas.

Project Phases

1. Business Clinic
   1. Students present and discuss their projects informally, fostering peer learning and feedback.
   2. Showcase events in Malaysia and the UK where the top 20 projects are evaluated by panels of business leaders and community stakeholders.
   3. Local winners receive prizes and are selected for the international exchange program.
2. Podcast Series
   1. A platform to share student stories, industry insights, and lessons learned from the projects.
   2. The series will highlight the business and societal impacts of the projects, promoting cross-cultural engagement.

This presentation will provide an overview of the project, showcase examples of student work and reflections, and offer the audience new strategies for collaborating with their own partner students. Through these efforts, the project aims to enhance curriculum content, cultivate industry partnerships, and inspire global audiences by sharing knowledge and best practices from both the UK and Malaysian contexts.

Key learning points from this session:

Attendees will learn how to integrate real-world projects into their curriculum, foster cross-cultural collaboration, and build industry partnerships. Key takeaways include strategies for engaging students in impactful projects, enhancing global learning experiences, and using innovative platforms like Business and Digital Clinics to bridge academia, business, and society.

Integrating real-world projects into the curriculum: a case study into bridging classroom to business and society through business clinics and project experiences in UK & Malaysia PowerPoint.

Business Development in an Innovative Tech Start-up poster.

Project in operational customer service, marketing and sales support poster.

AI Innovations: Integrating AI into digital marketing to enhance audience connection and campaign efficiency poster.

Only LJMU staff and students have access to the above resources.