UMPSA and NIT Yonago College strengthen relations through Edu-Tourism Summer Programme 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, 10 September 2024 – A total of 11 students accompanied by Professor Morita Shiota from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Yonago College, Japan, participated in the Edu-Tourism Summer Programme 2024 organised by the Centre for International Relations (CIR), UMPSA, from 4 to 10 September 4 2024.

According to the Director of CIR, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Azmir Mohd Azhari, the programme schedule was carefully planned to provide participants with a comprehensive experience.

“Through this programme, we hope participants will not only gain academic knowledge but also experience Malaysia’s uniqueness and beauty.

“This programme also serves as a unique platform to strengthen collaboration between UMPSA and NIT Yonago College.

“Participants had the opportunity to interact with local students and academic staff, building close friendships and laying the foundation for future collaboration between the two institutions,” he stated.

He added that they also had the opportunity to delve into various aspects of Malaysian culture and life and engage in multiple activities such as visiting historical sites, popular tourist destinations, and attending interesting academic sessions at UMPSA.

“The programme schedule was well-balanced, combining academic elements with cultural and recreational experiences.

“Participants explored Kuala Lumpur by visiting Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, Petrosains Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), Saloma Bridge, Central Market, and Dataran Merdeka.

“In Kuantan, they enjoyed outdoor activities such as relaxing at Teluk Cempedak Beach, visiting Sate Zul Factory, and participating in batik-painting activities,” he said.

In Melaka, participants visited Taming Sari Tower, the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, tried Cendol Menara Jam, and relaxed at Klebang Beach.

“The participants were also taken to Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Biram, Pekan, to experience cultural uniqueness with the children.

“They were warmly welcomed with traditional drum performances, silat demonstrations, choirs, and traditional dances.

“Additionally, the participants played traditional games such as congkak, batu seremban, and baling selipar,” he said.

The Summer Programme at UMPSA not only provided meaningful learning experiences for the participants but also strengthened ties between the two higher education institutions.

Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Azmir hoped this programme would form the basis for continuous collaboration and future student exchanges.

Professor Morita Shiota, a faculty member accompanying the group from NIT Yonago College, expressed excitement about the hospitality and experiences during the seven-day programme.

“We had the opportunity to understand student life at UMPSA and explore the natural beauty and culture of Malaysia through various exciting activities,” he said.

In addition to the four staff members from CIR, the programme was also supported by four UMPSA students who served as buddies for each participant.

Overall, the Edu-Tourism Programme has successfully increased cultural awareness and language skills among international students.

CIR hoped to organise more programmes like this in the future, further strengthening the relationship between UMPSA and its international networks.

By: Muhammad Zufli Zuhari, Centre for International Relations
Translation by: Dr.  Rozaimi Abu Samah, Faculty   of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology