Students and faculty members from residential colleges at the National University of Malaysia (UKM) visited Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College (HFPJC) at the University of Macau (UM) from 2 to 8 March to foster cultural understanding and holistic student development among residential colleges. During the seven-day trip, the UKM members took part in cultural and academic activities focusing on themes such as residential college education, cultural heritage, Islamic culture, student leadership, and co-creation in the arts. These activities further strengthened the partnership between the two universities.
The delegation included students and faculty members from Ibu Zain College and Tun Syed Nasir College at UKM. Hui Sai Chuen, college master of HFPJC, said that residential college education is not merely an extension of academics, but also an important platform for holistic student development. The visit by UKM exemplifies the proactive role that colleges play in promoting internationalisation and cross-cultural learning. He added that the two universities will continue to deepen their cooperation, promote student exchange and joint projects between their colleges, and broaden learning opportunities across diverse contexts.
Bahar, principle of Ibu Zain College, and Hajar, deputy principle of Tun Syed Nasir College, noted that experiencing UM’s residential college system first-hand allowed them to witness the openness and vitality of UM students in cultural interactions. They expressed hope that the two universities will establish mechanisms for closer cooperation to facilitate greater student participation in transnational college programmes, thereby strengthening cultural and educational ties within the region.
During the visit, students from UM and UKM took part in a variety of cultural and academic activities. During the student dialogue session, representatives from both universities shared their experiences of life and leadership within their colleges. UM students presented their experiences of serving as student leaders, as well as their approaches to student self-governance and community building. UKM students introduced their college structures and organisational operations, illustrating models of student participation within Malaysia’s college system. These exchanges facilitated dialogue on student affairs and development.
Furthermore, students from both universities worked together to create a large-scale acrylic artwork themed ‘Malaysia, Macao, University and College Life’. The piece showcased a fusion of cultures and campus life from a youth perspective. It not only enhanced students’ artistic expression and teamwork but also became a symbol of friendship and collaboration. During a martial arts exchange, Wong Sam In, a UM alumna and World University Games gold medallist in Nanquan, taught students the Five Stance Form, embodying the inheritance of traditional culture. HFPJC’s college choir ‘The Fok’s Singer’, who had practised UKM’s anthem prior to their visit, led students and faculty members from both universities in singing the anthem during the talent show.
UM student Sam Tim U said that the exchange deepened her understanding of diverse cultures and residential college education models of the two places, and enhanced his intercultural communication skills. She realised that cultural exchange is not just about sharing traditions, but also about fostering mutual understanding between people from different places. UKM student Aki said that she experienced the culture and residential college life in Macao through the activities, and gained valuable and unforgettable exchange experiences. She will share these insights with other students in Malaysia.
| Source: Faculty of Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College | |
| Media Contact Information: | |
| Communications Office, University of Macau | |
| Albee Lei | Tel: (853) 8822 8004 |
| Jason Leong | Tel: (853) 8822 8322 |
| Email: | prs.media@um.edu.mo |
