The simple yet enlightening and fun “UTAR Kampar Inbound Student Welcoming Party and Chinese New Year Celebration with the Vice President” namely, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, was greeted with positive responses from 14 exchange students, who were also joined by their five buddies. The event was organised by the Centre for Extension Education (CEE) Kampar on 13 February 2023 at UTAR Kampar Campus. Present at the celebrative event were CEE Kampar English Unit Head Mohanambikay Pandian and staff.

The exchange students, who joined the exchange programme for January 2023 trimester, were welcomed by Prof Choong, who said, “I am very happy to see our international students again, and I am delighted to see their participation in our exchange programmes. Before the pandemic, we had over 2,000 inbound and outbound students combined, but when the pandemic hit, we had to stop our physical programmes. Therefore, today is truly a day to remember because we are able to gather physically once again, and experience the campus life at UTAR.”

He added, “Apart from celebrating our local Chinese New Year, today’s event will also enable the participants to learn a little about our local traditions, practices, formality and culture. More than that, I hope you will also expand your learning by participating in various activities organised by various departments, clubs, and societies, and use it as a means to expand your network, and make new friends. There is always something to learn, so I would like to encourage you to join those activities because it will also enrich your university experience in UTAR and Malaysia. Even after you have left, I hope you will stay connected with the CEE; we are always excited to hear from you.”

Followed after was a calligraphy session of Chinese New Year Festival Couplets and Lou Sang together with inbound international students and Prof Choong. The celebration then continued with ice-breaking games and a discussion with buddies.

Ak Muhd Hafizuddin Bin Pg Dr Saiful Baharin, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Environmental, Occupational Safety and Health student from Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei commented that he enjoyed the welcoming party because he was able to meet people of different nationalities and make friends. He also said that the games were fun as he enjoyed them, and hoped to remember these memorable moments as he moves forward.

Bachelor of Communications (Honours) Public Relations student Zulia Syahrina Anwar Lubis from LSPR Communication and Business Institute, Indonesia, said, “The welcoming party was very fun. I had the opportunity to make new friends from different places and learn many things about them. We were able to share and care for each other, and it was very heart-warming. It also allowed me to see things from a different perspective. Everyone was kind and friendly, and the buddies were also very helpful. UTAR is indeed a beautiful place; being so close to nature makes me feel more relaxed, which is something I truly appreciate. I am excited and looking forward to creating more memorable memories at UTAR.”

Jeong, Gowoon, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English Language student from Inje University, South Korea, commented, “It was interesting to meet the other exchange students. We were able to interact with each other, which helped to foster a closer friendship. It also made me feel welcomed and comfortable. It was also enlightening to do Chinese calligraphy and make auspicious wishes. It was a good experience to learn about other cultures and I am looking forward to learning more things about others.”

Gua Xinyu, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Dietetics from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU), China, said that the welcoming party gave a familiar feeling because he saw the similarities of Chinese culture in Malaysia. “At the party, I was able to make acquaintance with friends from many different nations. The enthusiasm and the hospitality of the staff and buddies gave me so much courage and warmth that I would like to regard UTAR as a “home”. I really appreciate the chance to be together with all the staff members and friends.”

Meanwhile, Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) Tourism Destination Marketing student Wu Tzu-Ning from Shu-Te University, Taiwan, mentioned that she had fun at the welcome party. She expressed her excitement about having to make new friends and meeting new people of different nationalities. She hopes to maintain this friendship even after completing the exchange programme.