BEYOND BORDERS SERIES 1: UMPSA PrRiSM’S INAUGURAL GLOBAL EXPOSURE EXPERIENCE
BANGKOK, 18 to 24 December 2025 - The UMPSA PrRiSM Beyond Borders Series 1 Mobility Programme successfully concluded with 10 selected PrRiSM members participating in an immersive international experience in Bangkok, Thailand.
The programme was designed to enhance students’ global outlook, cross-cultural communication skills, and leadership capacity, while strengthening strategic international partnerships between UMPSA and its regional counterparts.
Throughout the trip, participants were exposed to a rich blend of academic, cultural, and diplomatic engagements. The students interacted directly not only with Chulalongkorn University students, but also with peers from Kasetsart University, fostering meaningful cross-institutional connections.
A key highlight of the programme was a cultural exchange through traditional dance, where students participated in hands-on dance lessons, allowing them to experience Thai and Malaysian cultural expressions first-hand.
Beyond campus engagement, the programme provided valuable diplomatic exposure through an official visit to the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok. During the visit, participants had the opportunity to engage in a dialogue session with the Counsellor, the First Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and the First Secretary of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
The session offered students insights into Malaysia–Thailand relations, diplomacy, international trade, and the role of youth in global representation. Cultural immersion formed a central component of the programme.
Participants visited several iconic cultural and heritage sites, including Wat Arun, Museum Siam, Chatuchak Art Market, Pratunam, and Asiatique, allowing them to appreciate Thailand’s history, arts, and contemporary culture while reflecting on cultural similarities and differences.
The peak of the programme came when the delegation secured seats for the SEA Games Closing Ceremony. The moment became especially meaningful as Malaysia was officially recognised as the host nation for the 2027 SEA Games. Participants proudly stood together singing the national anthem and witnessing Malaysian cultural dance performances on an international stage, marking a memorable and emotional highlight of the journey.
The Beyond Borders Programme aligns with the UMPSA internationalisation agenda by nurturing globally competent student ambassadors, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and supporting experiential learning beyond the classroom. Through this initiative, PrRiSM members were empowered to represent UMPSA with confidence while building networks that extend beyond national boundaries.
The success of Beyond Borders Series 1 reinforces UMPSA’s commitment to producing globally engaged graduates and strengthening international academic collaboration in the region.
Prepared by: Azimah Ahmad Zaki