The School of Computing and Data Science (SCDS) hosted a warm and engaging session, SCDS Coffee Talk 3.0, on the 2 of April 2026 at B1 #101, Xiamen University Malaysia. The event was organized with the aim of fostering stronger relationships between students and faculty members by encouraging open conversations over light refreshments and coffee.

Unlike the structured nature of lectures, tutorials, and consultations, Coffee Talk provided a casual space where participants could interact freely, exchange ideas, and get to know one another on a more personal level. The event encouraged meaningful conversations beyond academics, allowing participants to build stronger rapport within the SCDS community.

As the third edition of Coffee Talk organized by the SCDS Student Council, this year's event saw an impressive turnout of more than 120 students and over 30 lecturers. Participants came from all five programmes under SCDS: Computer Science & Technology (CST), Cybersecurity (CYS), Digital Media & Technology (DMT), Data Science (DSC), and Software Engineering (SWE).

The event began with an opening address by Deputy Dean, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tee Sim Hui, who encouraged students to make use of the session to connect with lecturers, seek advice, and build stronger relationships within the SCDS community. The strong participation reflected the diversity and vibrancy of the SCDS student community, while also creating valuable opportunities for students from different programmes to interact, exchange experiences, and expand their academic and social networks.

With a nostalgic throwback to 2016 as its central theme, Coffee Talk 3.0 offered a lively and interactive atmosphere through engaging activities such as the Bottle Flip Relay and a large-scale Mannequin Challenge. These light-hearted games encouraged students, lecturers, and peers to bond in a relaxed and approachable setting, making the event both memorable and enjoyable.

Participants were also treated to a variety of refreshments, including sushi, French fries, lattes, americanos, and milk tea, further enhancing the comfortable and welcoming ambience of the gathering.

Beyond games and refreshments, Coffee Talk 3.0 placed a strong emphasis on mentorship and student support. Students had the opportunity to engage in one-on-one and small group consultations with SCDS lecturers, discussing topics such as Final Year Projects, coursework, research opportunities, emerging technology trends, career pathways, academic planning, student experiences, and personal well-being.

These open consultation sessions encouraged honest and insightful conversations, allowing students to gain practical advice and guidance for both their academic journey and future professional development.