Writer: Kuroshini A/P Sathurugnan Saravanan
Editor: David Ling Chun Sing
Source : UKMbassadors
IPOH, 16 Dec - Global Buddies Organisation better known as UKMbassadors brings the exchange students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) on a memorable 2 days 1 night tour to Ipoh.
This year is the second year UKMbassadors have been organizing a tour to Ipoh for the exchange students in UKM. A total of 27 exchange students from different countries like Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Germany, France and China along with another 9 local students and 2 advisors embarked on this journey to enjoy the beauty of Ipoh. The team visited the Cultural Village and Kek Lok Tong temple immersing themselves in knowledge of Malaysian cultures surrounded by the beauty of nature. The true taste of Ipoh lies in the delicious Malaysian cuisine where the team tried at various local food courts, the Tong Sui Kai and Concubine lane. The trip was completed with the visit to Kellie’s Castle to go back in time and learn a little history.
UKMbassadors’ advisor, Aderrah Hasnul said, “ Trips like this around Malaysia as a part of our club activities are important to introduce students to the Malaysian culture and beauty, in particular Ipoh for this trip.”
“It gives the students time to bond with each other, be it both international and local students as they rarely have time to talk to each other despite being around with each other most of the time,”
By joining the trip with the local students, the exchanges get a better understanding of the locality and get a better exposure and immersion to Malaysian culture.
Touch Lita from Cambodia said that, “ I get to know and experience places that I haven't before. Furthermore, I get to learn about the history there.”
Joselyn Ang from Philippines said that, “The trip definitely helped me become closer with other mobility students in UKM, at the same time, gain new friends with other buddies of UKMbassadors. Nevertheless, I am mostly thankful for all the shared laughter, jokes, love, first-time experiences, and sweet memories.”
The local students, despite being Malaysian, enjoyed the trip equally as they could experience Malaysia in such a memorable way with new people and new moments.
Ding Jiel Xin from Malaysia said that, “ As a person who was born in Perak, to be honest I felt bored when I knew UKMbassadors is going to Ipoh as I was used to going there many times and I felt like there’s nothing in Ipoh.”
“This time I was with the exchange student on this trip and their excitement and curiosity towards Ipoh spots, food and culture made me appreciate the beauty of Ipoh from a foreigner’s perspective which changed my horizon to see things and realize Malaysia is a beautiful country.”
Wan Aina from Malaysian said that, “I enjoy this trip leisurely and interact with other international students more often which helped me to develop my growth as I step out of my comfort zone and surround myself with others on the trip.”
With such positive feedback from the participants, Aderrah has plans for the future exchange students of UKM.
“Maybe for the next batch of exchange students, we can organize a trip to either Port Dickson or Kuantan, for a change, to introduce the beauty of the Malaysia beaches.”
