AUT students explore cultural horizons on a Malaysian journey

Learning knows no bounds, whether through formal education or personal experiences. Every moment holds the potential for growth and every interaction can be a lesson. While remaining open-minded and committed to understanding the world’s limitless marvels is essential, having the right opportunities to access them is just as crucial in pursuing knowledge. In striving to provide holistic experiences to local and international students in Malaysia, UTAR offers initiatives such as inbound study tours, creating diverse opportunities for cultural exchange, learning, exploration and personal growth.

Having recently completed their one-and-a-half-month study tour in Malaysia, the students from Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand (AUT) shared their enlightening experiences in Malaysia during the inbound study tour’s closing ceremony, held on 6 December 2024 at UTAR Kampar Campus.

The six-week study tour comprised a diverse array of exchange programmes, led by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and UTAR respectively. The first three weeks of the tour were conducted by UiTM while the latter half was conducted by UTAR.

Themed Technology, AI, and Culture in Professional Communication Practice, the inbound study tour led by UTAR Department of Soft Skills Competency (DSSC), aimed to foster academic learning, cultural immersion, and community engagement, offering the participants from AUT a comprehensive understanding of Malaysia’s rich heritage, dynamic communities, and diverse cultures. The inbound study tour, led by UTAR, was conducted from 23 November to 6 December 2024.

The group from AUT was led by the university’s School of Communication Studies Director of External Engagement Assoc Prof Dr Petra Theunissen and academic Ms Deepti Bhargava.

During the closing ceremony, each participant from AUT shared their thoughts as they presented their videos, brimmed with the group’s light-hearted interactions in Malaysia.

Isla Richardson was eager to share the group’s jolly moments as they dipped their toes into the world of Chinese opera during the workshop conducted by FCI Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Ts Dr Ang Kok Yew. She enthused, “I really enjoyed the experience in the Chinese opera workshop that was held in UTAR Sungai Long Campus, as forming art is my passion. It is perfect for me to learn about this tradition.”

Olivia Cowie was thrilled to witness the timeless architectural designs of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque and Putra Mosque. She said, “I enjoyed visiting the mosques. They were really interesting. The Putra Mosque is smaller than the Blue Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Malaysia. Nevertheless, both were very beautiful buildings.”

Joel Bennett had always been curious about the differences in financial transactions in foreign countries. Hence, he shared his purchasing experiences in Malaysia through his brief adventures. “As a foreigner on my first international travel, I was really interested in the financial differences in other countries. It was all very new to me, so I made a video on things I didn’t know regarding finance in Malaysia,” he said.

Captivated by the fun and beauty reified through traditional Malay dance during the workshop conducted by DSSC (Sungai Long Campus) Pn Nurzanatul Amira binti Azizan, Katie Dahl shared the group’s euphoric moments in the traditional dance workshop. She said, “Traditional Malay dance is a beautiful and intricate art form. I love performing arts and fashion. Therefore, for a workshop that combines both unique aspects, it was inspiring. I am excited to incorporate some of these routines I love at home.”

Sophie Anderson, who has a keen interest in indigenous cultures worldwide, documented her experiences at the Orang Asli Museum in Gombak, during a visit organised by UiTM. “It was fascinating because we also have the indigenous Māori population in New Zealand. I was eager to explore the differences between the Orang Asli and the Māori,” she shared.

As an ardent foodie, trying out Malaysian delicacies was never a mere indulgence for Teofilo Garcia Hannah. For him, it was a meaningful journey through a tapestry of rich culinary traditions. He enthused, “Cuisine is a massive part of Malaysia’s culture. I really like food and also trying different types of food, so this is something I was really excited to try. Hence, I focused my vlog on our visit to Penang, known for its delicious food.”

Suzie Kim was one of the students who was engrossed by the lush greenery surrounding UTAR Kampar Campus during the tour session around the campus. In her sharing, Suzie said, “One of the things I found interesting from the Kampar Campus tour was how the university incorporates nature into its building designs. It highlights Malaysia’s beautiful landscape and biodiversity, creating a campus that feels welcoming and supports sustainability while enriching the learning environment. It reminded me of Auckland Botanic Gardens in New Zealand, which also integrates natural elements into its design.”

Sharing the amiable experiences the group had encountered in the land of Southeast Asia, Sylvia Mokuoane said, “The experience provided to us was exceptional. We are grateful for the kindness people in Malaysia showed us. It is not something that can be recreated as they were something pure. We may have been fascinated by the historical buildings here, but it was the interactions with the people here that truly captivated us.”

During the study tour, AUT students actively participated in a range of classes and workshops that exposed them to not only various contemporary technology trends, but also local cultures such as cuisines, batik painting, Chinese opera, traditional Malay dance, and Malay language. During the three-week programme, participants were provided opportunities to visit local landmarks such as the Malaysian Chinese Museum, Putra Mosque, Kinta Tin Mining (Gravel Pump) Museum, new villages, Sungai Long Night Market, Kampar Old Town, and Penang Island.

Besides immersing themselves in the unique charm of Malaysian cultures, participants also took part in UTAR’s long-running “WE CARE, WE ACT” New Village Community Service programme, engaging them in meaningful interactions with local communities and UTAR students. For instance, the AUT students teamed up with staff and students from the Faculty of Creatives Industries (FCI) and DSSC to organise the “Zero Waste: Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice” (Leadership and Team Building) event at SJK(C) Kg Baru Paroi in Seremban, enlightening the school students on environmental sustainability practices while nurturing their leadership and team-building skills. Through this initiative, AUT students were provided first-hand experience in societal responsibility towards local communities, offering them a broader perspective on Malaysia’s diverse cultural landscape.

Also present at the closing ceremony were UTAR Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Head of Department of Digital Economy Technology Ts Dr Zanariah binti Zainudin, FICT academics Dr Kiran Adnan, Ts Lim Jit Theam and Ts Soong Hoong Cheng; DSSC (Kampar Campus) Assistant Manager Mr Choong Weng Kuen, Office of International Affairs (OIA) Senior Assistant Manager Ms Loi Sien Mun, and UTAR students

UTAR’s inbound study tours offer transformative experiences that equip participants with the knowledge, empathy, and cultural awareness needed to navigate the increasingly interconnected world. Similar to the inbound study tour for AUT students, each tour is tailored to highlight the unique charm Malaysia has to offer. By combining academic learning with cultural immersion and community engagement, the tours create a series of journeys, filled with cultural exchange and academic excellence, inspiring leaders of tomorrow who drive meaningful change through collaboration and innovation.

The AUT students’ quest for a treasure trove of insights and experiences in Malaysia may have reached an end for now, but the impact of this journey will carry on well beyond the duration of their stay, into a fulgent future.