By Nurfardlina Izzati Moktar
KUALA NERUS, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- For 17-year-old Sudanese student Matab Galal, staying with a Malaysian foster family offered more than just a glimpse into local culture - it gave her a memorable experience of Malaysian hospitality and daily life.
The experience was made possible through the Malaysian Cultural Discovery Community Immersion Programme organised by Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), which aims to strengthen efforts to introduce Malaysian culture and hospitality to international students.
Held from Aug 21 to 23 in Terengganu, the programme allowed more than 50 students from over 20 countries to experience life with foster families while gaining a deeper understanding of local customs, traditions and the way of life of the Malaysian community.
EMGS chief executive officer Novie Tajuddin said the inaugural programme provided international students with first-hand exposure to Malaysian culture and the opportunity to experience living with foster families in Kuala Terengganu.
“This will continue to expand as it provides broader exposure, including our hospitality as Malaysians, to international students,” he said when met at the Malaysian Cultural Discovery Community Immersion Programme at Pantai Teluk Ketapang here yesterday.
Novie said understanding Malaysia’s diverse culture was important as the country is a melting pot of cultures comprising various communities and ethnic groups, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazan, Iban and other Bumiputera communities.
“When they understand the customs practised among our communities in Malaysia, they will become more attached to our country.
“This will provide greater exposure and create a sense of appreciation for Malaysia, encouraging them or even their children and family members to return to study here,” he said.
He said the programme also benefited foster families and local communities by creating opportunities for direct interaction with international students, while building wider relationships in the future.
Novie said EMGS plans to expand similar programmes to other regions, including the northern, southern and East Malaysia zones.
Matab, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Banking and Finance at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), said the programme was a valuable opportunity to learn more about Malaysian culture, traditions and the lives of local communities.
“I really loved it. We were welcomed by our foster family and they treated us like their own family. They were very welcoming, generous and kind. We had the opportunity to spend time with our foster family and get to know their friends,” she said.
One of the activities that caught her attention was learning traditional fishing methods, which was a new and enjoyable experience for her.
“I also learned that this is one of the sources of income for the local community. Learning about how they live their lives and their local traditions has made me feel more connected to Malaysia, and I really enjoyed the experience,” she said.
Meanwhile, Turkmenistan student Anastasiya Mihaylova, 23, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing at Albukhary International University (AIU), said such programmes were important in helping international students gain a closer understanding of Malaysian culture.
She said Malaysia not only offers quality education through public and private higher learning institutions but also has unique food, culture and natural attractions that international students should explore.
“Besides education, there are many other things that international students can experience in Malaysia, including its culture and food.
“More people should know that Malaysian food is very nice and delicious, and that Malaysia has beautiful, amazing and breathtaking nature.
“I think it is really important to promote these aspects of Malaysia and let more people know that it is not only a great place to study, but also a wonderful place to live and experience life,” she said.
Yemen student Abdullah Mohammed Abobakr Alshateri, 22, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management specialising in Human Resource Management at Asia Pacific University (APU), said the programme allowed him to better understand Malaysian culture and lifestyle while experiencing the warmth of the local community.
“I would like to thank EMGS for organising this programme. It has been a very good opportunity, and I hope programmes like this will continue so that other students can also have the same experience,” he said.
He said living in Malaysia had made it easier for him to adapt and feel at home, while he was also able to pursue his studies alongside his younger brother, Abdulrahman Mohammed, 20, who is studying at the same university.
Abdullah said he enjoyed Malaysian food such as chicken rice and fried rice, as well as the country’s weather and friendly people, while the programme gave him many new experiences about Malaysian culture.
Meanwhile, homestay operator and retired teacher Hayati Othman, 61, said the programme served as an important platform to introduce international students to the lives and culture of local communities.
She said her involvement as a host for international students was part of her homestay association activities, while also supporting the concept of educational tourism.
“International students who come to Malaysia usually only know about their studies, but through programmes like this, they can understand how to adapt and become part of the community.
“This is important because they are not only studying at educational institutions, but also need to understand the lives of the people in the country where they reside,” she said.
Hayati said the programme also provided opportunities for homestay association members to interact directly with international students, helping both sides understand differences in culture and lifestyles.
The three-day programme also featured activities including sampling local food, traditional fishing, batik and songket making, traditional games and cultural performances, providing participants with exposure to the heritage and traditions of the Terengganu community.
-- BERNAMA
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