A total of 21 students from both Sungai Long and Kampar Campus experienced an eye-opening study tour to Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi’an, China from 28 December 2017 to 12 January 2018. The two-week International Winter School Programme was organised by NPU.
The study tour aimed to enhance the personal development of the students such as self-esteem, self-confident and social relationship with students from other countries. A total of 110 students from different countries, namely Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Brazil and Russia participated in the programme. The students also underwent a series of elective courses on Chinese Language, Engineering and Science, and Business Correspondence to enhance their technical knowledge and improve their social networking and communication skills when dealing with people from different backgrounds, different cultures, and different countries.
The participants were warmly welcomed through a grand opening ceremony on 29 December 2017 by NPU Vice President Prof Zhang Wei Hong, NPU staff and students.
Welcome speech by Prof Zhang
During the opening ceremony, Prof Zhang expressed his warm welcome to all the visitors and said, “Xi’an, is the cradle of Chinese civilisation and the terminus of the ancient Silk Road, one of the oldest cities in China full with Chinese Dynasty’s history. I hope students will take this opportunity to learn the Chinese traditional history and culture, get inspired and flourish with the Shanxi culture. I hope this study tour will further strengthen the network collaboration and camaraderie between NPU and the respective universities.”
Throughout the week, the UTARians were introduced to a series of elective courses and workshops. NPU also organised city tours and other educational activities. There were also some cultural experiences such as traditional paper-cutting art, dumplings making, Kungfu learning, playing traditional Chinese musical instrument — Guzheng and learning the startups in China entrepreneurship. In addition, students also had the opportunity to visit some well-known historical places such as the Han Yangling Museum, Ancient City Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum in Xi’an.
Participants wearing the traditional costume of Han Dynasty
Visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses
Bachelor of Civil Engineering student Teo Hock Meng, the leader said, “We were exposed to their culture and beliefs. We also met new people and mingled around with the locals. The study tour served as a fine deed to pursue things unearthed by us and to be aware of the differences and similarities between us. It enabled us to perceive certain issues in a new perspective. The study tour allowed students to immerse themselves in a different community even if it was just for a short period of time. I truly enjoyed this study tour. I hope more students would participate and broaden their horizon throughout this programme.”
The programme exposed the students to new knowledge and experiences that encourage self-expression, self-awareness and interpersonal and intrapersonal communication. Furthermore, NPU arranged an Outward Bound Training for the participants to forge stronger relationships aside from gaining experience and knowledge which enhanced their soft skills and personal developments.
Anti-clockwise: Students learning paper-cutting Art, making Chinese dumpling and playing Guzheng
From left: Students learning Kungfu and sharing their experiences in the class
A talent show was organised on 12 Jan 2018. UTAR students performed an educational drama, sang a Malaysian song titled Ali, Ah Kao dan Muthu and presented a video to thank all the other participants, organiser, students and staff from NPU.
Drama and singing performance by UTAR students
Teo (far left) and Wong Li Xuan (far right) presenting a souvenir to NPU representative Jing Chenbi
Students visiting the Starting Point of the Silk Road
Students visiting the historical Drum Tower
Meeting and sharing session with NPU Organiser Chen Si Wei (front row, far left)
UTAR students at Xi’an International Airport
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