The Community Service Team (PkM) from the Department of Sociology Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Political Science (FISIP), Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) successfully carried out an international collaborative program in Malaysia. This activity was part of a long-established partnership with the Faculty of Human Development, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia.

Carrying the theme “Building Safe Spaces for Malaysian Youth through Social Education and Healthy Relationship Literacy,” the program aimed to take concrete steps in creating a supportive social environment for young people’s development. Through this initiative, both institutions demonstrated their commitment to strengthening awareness of healthy relationships and preventing various forms of violence among youth.

The community service program was carried out by the Sociology Education Department team from FISIP UNY, consisting of Dr. Nur Endah Januarti, S.Pd., M.A.; Dr. Grendi Hendrastomo, S.Sos., M.M., M.A.; Indra Rahayu Ningsih, S.Pd., M.Pd.; Sasiana Gilar Apriantika, S.Pd., M.A.; and Dwi Agustina, S.Pd., M.A. The UNY academic team collaborated closely with the partner team from UPSI Malaysia led by Prof. Madya Dr. Norwaliza Binti Abdul Wahab throughout the program.

The main agenda began on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the UPSI Malaysia campus. A total of 51 Malaysian youths enthusiastically participated in social education sessions discussing the importance of creating safe spaces and developing healthy relationship literacy in everyday life.

The activities were not limited to delivering educational materials. At the end of the session, participants actively engaged in group discussions to create creative campaigns promoting healthy relationships. These campaigns became a form of collective commitment to spread awareness about building positive and respectful relationships within their communities.

Through this program, young people were encouraged to understand the importance of establishing healthy and equal relationships with peers, while avoiding various forms of violence, including physical, verbal, psychological, and sexual violence. The program is expected to contribute to creating a social environment free from violence, allowing young generations to grow safely and develop their potential to the fullest.

The collaboration between UNY and UPSI Malaysia reflects the role of higher education institutions in addressing social issues through education and community engagement. By combining academic knowledge with practical social initiatives, the program strengthens international partnerships while promoting inclusive and safe environments for young people.

This initiative supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 4 – Quality Education SDG 5 – Gender Equality SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

Through international collaboration and social education, UNY continues to expand its contribution to global education networks while promoting values of equality, safety, and social responsibility.