UMPSA and NIT Yonago College strengthen ties through successful summer programme

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 February 2024 - 29th to March 5th, 2024 - The Summer Programme organised by Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) for students from the National Institute of Technology, Yonago College, Japan, concluded successfully on 5th March 2024. 

This programme started from 29 February provided participants with a unique and enriching learning experience, further strengthening the partnership between the two esteemed higher education institutions.

Over the six days of the programme, which took place in various locations including Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Kuantan, and the UMPSA campus, participants had the opportunity to immerse themselves in various facets of Malaysian culture and life. 

They engaged in a variety of activities, from visiting historical sites and popular tourist destinations to attending engaging academic sessions at UMPSA.

The itinerary was thoughtfully designed to balance academic elements with cultural experiences and recreation. 
Participants explored Kuala Lumpur, visiting significant sites such as the KL City Gallery, the National Textile Museum, Petrosains KLCC, the Saloma Bridge, Central Market, and Dataran Merdeka. Additionally, they enjoyed outdoor activities at Teluk Cempedak Beach and visited local establishments like the Sate Zul Factory, Batik Village, and a Keropok Factory.

Associate Professor Dr Mohd Azmir Mohd Azhari, Director of the Centre for International Relations, stated, "The programme itinerary was meticulously planned to offer participants a comprehensive experience. 

Through this programme, we aimed for participants to not only gain academic knowledge but also to experience the uniqueness and beauty of Malaysia firsthand."

The programme also served as a unique platform to further enhance cooperation between UMPSA and NIT Yonago College. 

Participants had the chance to interact with local students and academic staff, fostering close friendships and laying the groundwork for potential future collaborations between the two institutions.

Ms. Endo Kanako, one of the accompanying teachers from NIT Yonago College, expressed her enthusiasm about the experience, saying, "This journey was truly exciting. 

We had the opportunity to understand student life at UMPSA and to explore the beauty of Malaysian nature and culture through various engaging activities."

The success of the programme was further supported by the participation of UMPSA students, who served as "Buddies" for the participants from NIT Yonago College. 

This created a friendly and supportive learning environment, allowing participants to feel comfortable and thoroughly enjoy the programme.

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

It is hoped that this programme will serve as a foundation for continued cooperation and student exchanges in the future. 

The programme was characterised by a variety of events, with UMPSA students receiving warm hospitality, including accommodation, food, transportation, and more, ensuring a delightful experience. 

The programme ran smoothly from start to finish, with the organisers and kind, helpful staff making each day memorable and leaving participants wishing the summer camp would never end.

Overall, the Summer Camp Programme proved to be an invaluable experience, enhancing the students' cultural awareness and language skills. 

We look forward to seeing more such programmes in the future, further strengthening the partnership between UMPSA and the National Institute of Technology, Yonago College, Japan.

By: Muhammad Zufli Zuhari, Centre for International Relations