"I Will Miss UMPSA" – Zhaniya and Danil

GAMBANG, 3 July 2024 - "I will miss UMPSA and Malaysia," said Serikova Zhaniya, a 24-year-old student enrolled in the dual degree programme at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), who has completed her one-year studies there. Zhaniya hails from Ridder City, Kazakhstan and pursued a Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Biotechnology with Honors through UMPSA's collaboration with Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU).

Under this programme, students spend three years at KazNARU and one year at UMPSA. Notably, participants receive dual degrees from both institutions upon completion.

During her two semesters at UMPSA's Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology (FSTI), Zhaniya accumulated valuable experiences and cherished memories, particularly from her time in a foreign country.

"I was thrilled to come to Malaysia and continue my studies at UMPSA. Immersing myself in Malaysian culture, interacting with the local community, and experiencing the beauty of Pahang Darul Makmur are memories I will forever cherish. 

"Studying at UMPSA has been a unique experience due to the differences in the education system compared to my country. 

“I also deeply appreciate the excellent facilities provided here for students,” she shared.

Expressing reluctance to leave Malaysia, Zhaniya, who has travelled extensively, considers Malaysia the safest country she has visited. 

She praises the warm hospitality of Malaysians towards foreign students and notes that despite being away from her family, she never felt alone thanks to the friendships she forged during her studies.

"The professors and staff at UMPSA have been incredibly supportive whenever I needed assistance. 

“I encourage more students to consider Malaysia, especially UMPSA, for their higher education. 

“UMPSA offers exceptional opportunities, especially through its dual degree programs," she emphasized.

Similarly, Zhaniya's friend,  Akshimbayev  Danil, 21, also from Almaty, Kazakhstan, echoed her sentiments of sadness as he concluded his studies at UMPSA and prepared to return home.

"I will miss UMPSA and Malaysia dearly, especially my friends here. Given the chance, I would love to visit Malaysia again in the future," Danil remarked, eagerly anticipating the upcoming UMPSA Convocation Ceremony.

Both Zhaniya and Danil have officially graduated from KazNARU today. 

They look forward to returning to Malaysia with their families to attend UMPSA's 19th Convocation Ceremony scheduled for later this year.

In addition to Kazakhstan, UMPSA offers dual degree programmes in collaboration with Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA), Germany, and Mannheim University of Applied Sciences (HMA), Germany. 

The university's international partnerships also extend to China, including collaborations with Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) in Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering fields, with future plans for partnerships in Korea and Japan.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)