ARAU: They might come from international backgrounds and speak different languages but 230 students recently got together to share the enthusiasm and passion of learning other cultures.
Thanks to the 2014 Asian Summer Programme (ASP), the third in the series since it was launched in 2012, the students were exposed to multi-cultural diversity.
This year, the ASP was held at Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) where students from 28 universities across the globe got to understand each other better and strengthen ties between participating countries.
Azizbek Kyzy Hygerim, 20, from International Ataturk Alatoo University in Kyrgyzstan, was happy to be selected for the programme.
The final-year student, who is studying for a degree in international relations, had always wanted to travel but never had a chance until now.
“This was my first trip abroad and Malaysia was in my long list of must-visit countries. I first learned about Malaysia from the Internet and now I am enjoying the warm hospitality of the friendly people here, and the local delicacies.
“Some of the food is too spicy for me but most are delicious, especially roti canai,” she said when met at the UniMAP main campus in Ulu Pauh here after the ASP ceremony.
Another participant, Estefan Junaydi Wicaksono, 21, from Petra Christian University in Indonesia, said the programme was a golden opportunity for him to gain knowledge and experience in foreign countries.
The business accounting student was also thrilled to make new friends during the programme.
“My real passion is travelling and I believe it is the best teacher.
“The experience gained from learning about different cultures and social values can change a person’s perspective on life,” he said.
The three-week programme was graced by Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail who is also the university’s chancellor.
Also present were Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil and UniMAP vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kamarudin Hussin.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin in welcoming the participants to Malaysia and Perlis in particular stressed the importance of mutual respect, understanding and cooperation as well as the ability to harness intellectual capital for the future success of all countries involved.
“We need graduates who are culturally-literate in order to face and manage complex and multiple global challenges.
“The ability to understand other people’s cultural differences will be an added value, as it will make a person more tolerant, creative and innovative when faced with current challenges.”
A local fruit festival, roti canai and teh tarik making competition were among the fun activities organised at the conference. By Ili Shazwani