International Night – a night of culture sharing of various countries

By: MOHAMMAD HAKIMI KAMARUDIN, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION

Some 900 international students from 30 countries were involved in the International Night event organised by Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) International Office held at Block W, UMP Gambang Campus on December 19, 2018.

Among the guests present were UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim and the university’s management including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Professor Ir. Dr Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff and International Office Director, Dr. Nik Aloesnita Nik Mohd Alwi.

The International Night started in 2009 aimed at fostering closer ties among the international community who came from many countries and for them to share their cultures with the locals.

They would display an array of their popular traditional dishes and delicacies, song and dances as well as other unique features of their cultures.

Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir said by having this programme, it would help to bridge the gap between the local students and international students.

He said the International Office had also introduced a volunteering programme called International Office Buddies.

“This programme provides the opportunity for students to consistently work together in various activities especially in promoting the university’s internationalisation agenda which is one of its key agendas.

“The variety of cultures from many countries has shaped the art and culture landscape of UMP. At the same time, it helps to instil a high level of understanding and tolerance among the students,” he added.

International Student President, Mustaf Mohamad, who is from Somalia, said the programme served as a platform for international and local students to display their talents and cultures of their respective countries as well as help to increase awareness and knowledge on the ethnicity and cultures of the countries.

“At the same time, it helps forge closer ties among students of the same country and lessen their longing of food they normally enjoy at home such as mutton masala, Punjabi Pulao, Bhojpuri Chicken, Libya Dessert, Chicken Biryani and Niger Jollof Rice,” he said.